Richmond RCMP has made 16 arrests as part of its annual “Christmas Blitz” on thieves, including taking the “Lego Gang” off the street.
“The (blitz) is an annual project where the Richmond RCMP Quick Response Team (QRT) partners up with loss prevention officers (LPOs) in the central business district of Richmond to fight theft,” said Cpl. Ray Basi, head of the QRT.
“As a bonus, our Bike Section officers lent us a helping hand this season.”
During the festive season, some of the suspects, according to police, conducted their “Grinch-like activities” alone, while others were observed working in organized teams.
As a result of the 16 arrests, charges are forthcoming, say police, including one suspect, who was discovered with several pieces of identification, none of which belonged to him.
“The partnership between QRT and the LPOs is a strong one,” added Basi.
“This is my third year with this project and it is our most successful year thus far. The arrests came largely from recognizing subtle differences and unique body language.
“The LPOs are extremely skilful at detecting these signs. Similarly, since LPOs work at several locations across different municipalities, they are able to recognize suspects that don’t normally come into Richmond.”
Recovered merchandise included: beauty products, clothing, sports apparel, electronics and video games.
“One theft group was affectionately referred to as the Lego Gang, as they had an affinity for procuring the popular building block toy,” said Richmond RCMP’s media relations officer Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“It was likely that their activities were spurred by orders for certain types of Lego.”
What was also apparent was the cross-over in some of the retail theft suspects.
“This speaks to the level in which crime crosses over — a suspect who may break into mailboxes, vehicles, or residences may also be engaged in retail theft. We are seeing those shifts,” added Hwang.
“We caution people to be cognizant of what they are buying through popular online buy and sell sites and forums. Sometimes that good deal might not be such a good idea. We have had success in tracking down stolen merchandise and returning them to their owners.”
For business owners, the Richmond RCMP Crime Prevention Unit recommends joining the Business Link program online at Richmond.ca/Safety/Police/Prevention/Business.
