On December 12, 2024, Surrey Police Service (SPS), Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and the Delta Police Department teamed up with businesses and loss prevention officers in Surrey’s City Centre area to target shoplifting in a project called “Boost and Bust”.

The project resulted the arrest of 25 individuals. Two of those individuals were also wanted on outstanding warrants. In addition, two arrests were related to the thefts of “bait bicycles”. One replica firearm, four hunting knives, and two cans of bear spray were seized from the suspects upon their arrests. Over $3,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to retailers.

Shoplifting incidents often do not simply involve thefts from businesses and the commensurate loss of product and inconvenience, they also can present risks to staff and customers at the retail locations. This crime type has also been steadily increasing in frequency in Surrey over the past two years.  In 2022 there were 2,596 reported shoplifting incidents; and in 2023 that number had increased to 3,314, a 28% increase. Year-to-date in 2024 there have been over 3,800 reported shoplifting incidents, representing a 15% increase over 2023 and a 46% increase over 2022.

SPS will continue working with our law enforcement and loss prevention partners to suppress shoplifting incidents through enforcement, information sharing and prevention measures such as keeping more valuable inventory secured or near security cameras and employee work areas.  Initiatives like “Boost and Bust” are effective ways to deter theft and simultaneously address other criminal activities as well.