Seventeen people were arrested in one day in Richmond, as part of a joint operation between Richmond RCMP and Metro Vancouver Transit Police.
The arrests – which Mounties say are for “various offences,” with charges still pending – took place on Nov. 7 in Richmond’s downtown core and central business district.
As the Canada Line runs through both of those areas, RCMP teamed up with Metro Vancouver Transit Police, as well as loss prevention officers for the operation.
A “notable observation” from the joint operation was that “a large number” of those arrested were not from Richmond. Rather, they had taken transit into the area to commit their crimes, according to Richmond RCMP.
One of the people arrested, for example, is a 49-year-old Vancouver resident with no fixed address, who was found and arrested on an outstanding warrant issued in North Vancouver, for multiple charges related to counterfeit currency.
“Prolific and property offenders can wind up being problems in multiple jurisdictions,” said Sgt. Simon Lee with Richmond RCMP’s targeted enforcement units.
“As it is easier to get anywhere with transit now, this operation is an example of multiple agencies working together to combat crime.”
Richmond RCMP also deployed bait bikes in the area, netting four arrests as a result.
One of those arrested for stealing a bait bike had also been charged for stealing one last year, according to RCMP.
“The success of the operation is an example of what happens when we all work together. Loss prevention officers and police are both very well-trained in identifying potential property crime offenders,” said Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cst. Kenneth Lau.
“Hopefully, this joint operation will make potential thieves think twice before coming to Richmond to do their acts.”
