Alberta RCMP say more than $40,000 worth of stolen retail goods has been recovered following a 10-day crime blitz across multiple communities.
Police said the operation, which ran from March 10 to 20, involved detachments in Airdrie, Lloydminster, Parkland County, Red Deer, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Wetaskiwin and Wood Buffalo.
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In total, officers made 65 arrests and laid 48 criminal charges.
Of those arrested, 10 individuals were wanted on outstanding warrants. Police added that 21 of those taken into custody had more than 30 previous charges, suggesting repeat offenders are responsible for a significant portion of retail crime.
Information gathered during the blitz led the Alberta RCMP Community Response Team to arrest a 33-year-old man and execute a search warrant at a residence in St. Albert.
As a result of that search, police recovered $26,498 worth of clothing, contributing to the overall total of more than $40,000 in goods seized during the operation.
The 33-year-old man faces two counts of trafficking in stolen property and one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. The charges have not been proven in court.
Staff Sgt. Luke Halvorson of the RCMP’s community safety and well-being branch said police are increasingly encountering repeat offenders involved in retail crime.
“More frequently we are finding violent recidivist criminals engaging in retail crime, elevating the risk for employees and shoppers alike,” Halvorson said in a statement.
He added the RCMP continues to use data and intelligence to target enforcement efforts, noting that while other types of property crime have declined, retail crime remains a growing concern.
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