Richmond RCMP suspect ‘organized activity’ after 39 reports of stolen meat since December

An RCMP officer is seen in the meat section of a grocery store. (Richmond RCMP)

Mounties in Richmond are dealing with a surge in stolen meat that they say suggests “potential organized activity.”

There have been 39 reported incidents of meat theft from retailers in the city since December, Richmond RCMP said in a news release Friday.

Police didn’t specify the exact dates of the first and most recent thefts in the pattern, but 39 thefts in four months would equate to nearly 10 per month, or about one every three days.

“While some thefts are believed to be opportunistic, the pattern and volume of thefts suggest potential organized activity, where police believe product may be stolen for resale,” the release reads.

Mounties asked the public not to purchase meat from “unverified or informal sources,” noting that stolen product may have experienced temperature changes or other unsafe handling.

“Whether these thefts are opportunistic or part of a more co-ordinated effort, we are devoting resources to disrupting this crime trend,” said Const. Frank Bryson, in the release.

“Retail theft has real consequences for businesses, consumers, and for public safety. We take it seriously regardless of scale.”

Police are asking anyone who sees “suspicious behaviour” in the meat section of a grocery store to report it.

Specifically, shoppers should be on the lookout for people who “appear to be concealing product,” place “unusually large quantities of meat into personal bags” or otherwise behave strangely.

“The public is urged not to confront individuals potentially engaged in retail theft, but to alert store staff immediately and to contact police if they observe a crime in progress,” the release reads.

Police also asked anyone who has information about meat theft in Richmond or has been offered meat for sale “through informal channels” to contact them at 604-278-1212.