A newly established Richmond RCMP unit has been targeting retail theft for the past seven months.
The Richmond RCMP Bike Unit was established last year following a "significant increase" in retail theft observed in October 2023, according to Richmond RCMP.
Police said the unit arrested 58 individuals for offences including shoplifting and outstanding warrants between November 2023 and May 2024.
Almost $29,000 in alleged stolen property, such as clothing and food, was recovered.
Staff Sgt. Paula Maan, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the Bike Unit, said officers patrol the downtown core rain or shine.
"Using bikes allows officers to access areas that might otherwise we unreachable by vehicle," she said.
"This mobility leads to more arrests and recovery of stolen goods."
The unit works part time during "peak occurrence times" for retail theft, using current crime trends for their patrols.
Local businesses and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to police.
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