Victoria police arrested 20 people over three days this month in relation to multiple thefts totalling over $25,000 in merchandise.
Patrol officers and loss-prevention staff teamed up on a three-day project to identify and arrest alleged shoplifters at a retail store in the 500-block of Johnson Street.
Police said more than half of the suspects each took more than $1,000 in merchandise and one allegedly stole $3,400 worth of goods.
Most of the arrested individuals were released with future court dates following the Oct. 16 to 18 project. VicPD said three of the suspects had arrest warrants from various local police jurisdictions. One suspect was held in custody after being arrested more than once over the three-day period.
Police also said a driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition for allegedly being impaired by drugs and after they reportedly assisted a suspect who was fleeing from officers.
“This project was created in response to ongoing concerns from local businesses about regular retail theft and the impact this has on business operations and staff safety,” VicPD said in a Thursday (Oct. 26) news release.
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