Surrey, BC – The Surrey Police Service (SPS), Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and the Delta Police Department collaborated with local businesses and loss prevention officers in Surrey’s City Centre for a targeted operation against shoplifting. The initiative, called “Boost and Bust,” led to the arrest of 25 individuals.
Among those apprehended, two were wanted on outstanding warrants. Additionally, two suspects were arrested for the theft of “bait bicycles.” During the operation, officers seized a replica firearm, four hunting knives, and two cans of bear spray. Over $3,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to local retailers.
Shoplifting in Surrey has become a growing concern. Beyond the financial losses to businesses, these incidents pose significant risks to staff and customers. Statistics reveal a troubling rise in shoplifting cases over the past three years:
• 2022: 2,596 reported incidents
• 2023: 3,314 reported incidents (28% increase)
• 2024 (year-to-date): Over 3,800 reported incidents (15% increase from 2023, 46% increase from 2022)
The SPS emphasized the importance of community collaboration to address shoplifting and related crimes. The “Boost and Bust” project underscores the need for proactive measures to curb theft and ensure the safety of Surrey’s retail environments.