Amped up Winnipeg police presence aims to curb holiday retail thefts

Inspector Jen McKinnon explains the WPS holiday campaign focused on visibility, enforcement, and safety to help prevent retail theft this season.

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is amping up its presence at local shopping hotspots to curb holiday retail theft.

It’s part of an initiative called Operation Safe Shop, which deploys officers to busy shopping areas, including CF Polo Park, Outlet Collection Winnipeg and Kenaston Common Shopping Centre, to prevent theft, deter crime and arrest offenders throughout the holiday season.

“What I want the public to know is that we’re going to be out there,” said Insp. Jen McKinnon with the WPS major crimes division in an interview on Your Morning Winnipeg on Monday.

“We started this initiative three years ago. Clearly this is a problem in our city… We want our retailers and our shoppers to feel safe.”

McKinnon noted police have taken a more focused approach when it comes to repeat shoplifters by identifying who they are, arresting them and getting them off the streets.

She added this helps bring a level of safety and comfort back to the city’s stores.

“We use our data analysts to help identify these people,” she explained.

“It’s based on analytics, and it’s based on the repetitiveness of these offenders.”

As for what shoppers can do to protect themselves, McKinnon said it’s all about awareness.

“Often these [offenders] will be watching you ahead of time,” she said.

“Be aware. Be aware of your surroundings. Put your phone away. Keep your head up. Park in well lit areas.”

Other safety tips for shoppers include ensuring valuables are out of sight, not withdrawing more money than needed, wearing purses close to the body and carrying wallets in your front pocket.

- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé