20 people arrested during two-day theft blitz at Nanaimo’s Port Place Mall

It was a busy two days for RCMP at Nanaimo’s Port Place Mall last month as officers worked to crack down on theft and disorder at the downtown shopping centre.

According to Nanaimo RCMP, twenty suspects were arrested for various offences between Friday, October 17th and the end of the business day on Saturday, October 18th.

The initiative, which involved both frontline and covert officers, targeted retail theft at London Drugs and Thrifty Foods. It was part of the Community Safety and Target Enforcement Program (C-STEP) program, which provides funding for proactive operations aimed at high-incident hotspots and major shopping corridors.

“C-STEP provides funding so that law enforcement officers can coordinate strategic and preventative responses to street disorder through integrated plans that involve not only the police but community partners,” the RCMP stated in a media release.

Over the course of the operation, roughly ten officers from the Nanaimo detachment—working alongside Loss Prevention Officers from both stores—made 20 arrests, recovered about $2,600 in stolen merchandise, and laid 16 charges for theft under $5,000.

“While almost half of these thefts involved low-value items, over time these losses add up and can cause significant financial stress to the businesses targeted,” said Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Several of the incidents also resulted in secondary charges such as causing a disturbance, breach of conditions, obstruction, and other provincial offences.

Among the highlights from the two-day blitz:

• Two suspects allegedly stole items from Thrifty Foods and attempted to flee. The driver was found to be prohibited and operating an uninsured vehicle. The vehicle was towed and the driver issued an undertaking for court.
• An adult woman allegedly stole nearly $900 worth of herbal supplements while accompanied by her children. She was issued an undertaking to appear in court.
• A 17-year-old allegedly stole low-value items from London Drugs, then fled on foot before jumping into the ocean in an attempt to escape. Officers pulled him from the water and arrested him for theft, obstruction, and breaching court conditions.
• One individual allegedly tagged the Port Place Mall sign while standing in front of officers.
• A man allegedly donned a medical mask before stealing items. He was arrested for theft and breach of conditions, and held in custody.
• A man was reportedly seen doing “donuts” in the Port Place parking lot and was ticketed under the Motor Vehicle Act.

“We hope our combined efforts send a clear message that this activity will not be tolerated and offenders will be held accountable,” said Superintendent Eric Rochette, Officer in Charge of the Nanaimo RCMP.

“We also want shoppers to feel confident and safe at the mall. Our goal is to support local businesses and continue working to reduce retail theft in Nanaimo.”