Amid Surge in Retail Liquor Thefts, 2 Individuals Face Charges After Caught With ‘Signal Jamming Devices and Large Magnets’
Items commonly used to circumvent theft detection technology are found during a crackdown on shoplifting concerning nearly $6,000 in stolen booze and perfume. (Photo: Pexels)
During a recent operation by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Retail Theft Unit in Ontario, Canada, multiple arrests were carried out, and numerous charges were filed in response to a focused series of retail thefts. Between November 6 and 8, HRPS officers implemented enforcement measures at different Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) locations. This effort led to the capture of four individuals engaged in the theft of liquor valued at over $2,500, as reported by The Bay Observer on Monday.
Of significance, two of the arrested individuals were discovered in possession of “signal jamming devices and large magnets” commonly employed to circumvent theft detection technology, per the report. Stolen perfume valued at approximately $3,500, sourced from a nearby Shoppers Drug Mart, was also recovered during the operation.
This three-day initiative led to the laying of a total of nine charges connected to the theft investigations, The Bay Observer detailed.
HRPS Superintendent Bob Gourley emphasized the broad impact of retail crime, underscoring its far-reaching consequences for both retailers and consumers.
“Retail crime is a growing problem that is impacting retailers across the country,” Gourley said in the report. “Retail theft is not a victimless crime, as it hits all consumers through price inflation and is often orchestrated by organized crime groups. Additionally, retail crime has a potential for violence that impacts the well-being of those employed in this area of the economy.”
Recently, retailers in the United Kingdom have seen a similar surge in organized retail theft. In October, a particularly brazen group of shoplifters in search of a specific brand of gin warned the staff of a supermarket that they would come back once it was restocked.
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