The Winnipeg Police Service made nearly 150 arrests during its latest retail theft enforcement blitz. On Thursday, the service announced the results of the East District’s Refund Retail Theft Initiative, which spanned from the latter part of May to the end of August. During the initiative, police made 149 arrests and recovered $24,000 worth of property. Officers also made 20 deferrals to restorative justice or formal cautions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police emphasized that shoplifting is not a victimless crime, adding that some incidents have led to violence. The Winnipeg Police Service introduced its Retail Theft Initiative at the end of 2023, with the goal of combatting the issue of shoplifting.
