Dozens arrested during retail theft crackdown

More than 120 people were arrested as part of the Winnipeg Police Service’s fall retail theft initiative.

The crackdown aimed to reduce crime and enhance public safety at shopping centres and other businesses. Officers conducted proactive enforcement at more than 30 retail businesses across the city.

In total, 123 people were arrested, more than 240 charges were laid, and more than $21,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Thursday.

Fifteen people were repeat offenders and 33 were detained in custody, police said.

Theft was also prevalent outside of the enforcement project, police said. Eighty-one people were arrested (eight of whom were repeat offenders), 134 charges were laid and more than $13,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered.