A joint operation between Richmond RCMP and transit police netted 18 arrests in a single day – and the finding of a missing 13-year-old girl.
The incredible discovery came last Saturday, Feb. 12, after the two police agencies executed a warrant on the back of a “bait bike” being stolen.
The Mounties and transit cops - in a response to recent crime trends indicating suspects were using the Canada Line to enter Richmond and commit crime – joined forces for a day.
During that day last weekend, 18 arrests were made for theft, possession of stolen property and breach of conditions.
On the same day, the aforementioned bait bike was stolen, sparking a warrant and apparently leading officers to a Richmond residence where they found the missing Vancouver teenager.
Of the 18 arrests, say police, 11 were not residents of Richmond, but had entered the city using transit.
The Richmond News has asked the RCMP how long the girl had been missing for.
“Crime does not adhere to municipal boundaries and over half of those arrested today depended on using public transit to enter Richmond,” said Sgt. Simon Lee, of Richmond RCMP’s Targeted Enforcement Units.
“It also shows to some extent, the pervasiveness of retail theft and other property crimes, something we examine very seriously.
“With each successful operation, we foster goodwill and inter-agency cooperation. We look forward to working with our colleagues from the Metro Vancouver Transit Police again in the near future.”
The number of arrests, added Const. Amanda Steed, of Metro Vancouver Transit Police, is a “strong reflection that teamwork made this joint effort a huge success.”
If members of the public see something that they’d like to report to police, they can call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or text Transit Police discreetly at 87-77-77.
