News release

Retail theft operation leads to four arrests in one hour at same store

December 12, 2025 - Maple Ridge, British Columbia
From: Ridge Meadows RCMP

Content

File: 2025-24402, 24406, 24410, 24416

Ridge Meadows RCMP continues to target prolific shoplifters who steal large volumes of product from retailers contributing to further criminal activity and disorder in our communities.

‘Project Anchor’ is an ongoing enforcement project focusing on reducing retail theft in the Maple Ridge downtown core and enhancing community safety. Retail theft has been identified as a continuing issue in the area the last few months (see previous release). Since September, officers with our Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) have been working with retailers, Loss Prevention Officers, and other enforcement agencies across the region to crack down on these incidents.

This included officers recently arresting four individuals in a one-hour time span at the same store.

Details:

On November 17, 2025, CRU officers were liaising with a loss prevention officer at a retail store when they were alerted to an individual walking out of the store with a concealed item. After stopping and apprehending this individual, three more individuals were subsequently identified and arrested for theft in three separate incidents at the store.

One individual was arrested after attempting to steal approximately $650 worth of product while another was arrested with over $750 worth of meat products (see photos).

Some of the individuals were charged with theft and breaching bail violations, while others were released on conditions not to be in the store. All individuals were offered social service referrals.

Quote:

“This isn’t just run-of-the-mill theft, but rather repeat offenders openly stealing large quantities of items from the same retailers,” says Ridge Meadows RCMP CRU Sergeant Joe Whalley. “This kind of activity not only impacts businesses, but the surrounding community where this kind of stolen product is illegally resold posing public health and safety risks. The goal of our approach is not only holding offenders accountable but also connecting individuals with the support they need.”

Ridge Meadows RCMP will continue to focus on retail theft enforcement as part of our overall commitment to crime reduction and community safety, and in support of our community, businesses, and municipal partners.