20 shoplifters arrested during week-long ‘boost and bust’ at Pine Centre

Multiple ‘prolific’ shoplifters were arrested last week, after a five-day loss prevention campaign at the Pine Centre Mall.

The Prince George RCMP were able to arrest 20 people, creating 19 files.

The charges ranged from 18 counts of theft under $5000, one count of assaulting a police officer, and three counts of breaching conditions.

“The goal of this project was to target prolific thieves and shoplifters who cost the retail outlets thousands of dollars in lost revenue each month,” said Constable Jennifer Cooper.

Over the course of the week, investigators also targeted offenders who were breaching their court-ordered conditions to not visit the mall.

The project utilized four police officers and ran for five full days, with two uniformed members patrolling the mall while two members remained outside of the mall in plain clothes.

As a result, police issued one 90-day Integrated Roadside Prohibition (IRP), which comes with a 30-day vehicle impoundment.

Of the 20 people that police arrested, three remained in-custody to attend court the next morning.

Investigators forwarded charges of theft under $5000 and fail to comply with probation against 36- year-old Elliott Joseph, who pleaded guilty and received 30 days in jail.

Police also forwarded charges against 34-year-old Tyler Sinclair of uttering threats, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer and failing to comply with probation.

He pleaded guilty and received 28 days in jail.

Finally, police forwarded charges of theft under $5000 and fail to comply with probation against 35-year-old Aaron Glover, whom was released on bail pending a future court date.

Police are also forwarding two referrals to the Restorative Justice program, which operates under the umbrella of Community Policing with the Prince George RCMP.

Restorative Justice is an alternative to the criminal justice system and aims to include everyone affected by a particular crime, focussing on accountability and problem solving.