Shoplifting crackdown sees 40 arrests in July

'Boost and Bust' program sees retailers working with RCMP

Prince George RCMP say a retail crime enforcement initiative is producing results across the city. In a media release, Prince George RCMP said its problem-oriented policing (POP) team has partnered with several local retailers to carry out a series of Boost and Bust projects. The participating retailers include Pine Centre Mall, Parkwood Mall, Walmart and Superstore.

Since the beginning of July, the POP team has arrested 40 people and recovered more than $3,400 worth of stolen merchandise. “The goal of the Boost and Bust projects is to assist retail outlets in Prince George that are feeling the effects of repeated theft by targeting shoplifters,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for Prince George RCMP.

“With the assistance of the loss prevention officers already working in these locations, these projects help address ongoing retail theft.” The arrests also led to additional police action, with the POP team continuing proactive enforcement throughout the city. That included traffic stops during which investigators seized about 180 grams of suspected illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, and recovered an additional $5,000 worth of stolen property.

Since the beginning of 2026, Boost and Bust projects carried out by the POP team have resulted in about 60 arrests and the recovery of more than $5,000 worth of stolen merchandise. RCMP said information on suspects arrested during more than one Boost and Bust project has been included in reports to Crown counsel for consideration during the charge approval process.