Saskatoon cops make 30 arrests during ‘retail crime blitz’ in December

Police in Saskatoon focused on retail crime last month, making 30 arrests.

On six days in December, police worked with loss-prevention officers and private security at retailers to “identify and arrest prolific offenders for a variety of crimes.”

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Of the 30 arrests, police said 15 were repeat offenders and 10 were “considered violent.”

“A total of 42 charges were laid and over $2,600 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered,” the Saskatoon Police Service said in a statement.

Police said officers were at a retailer on Preston Avenue North on Dec. 10 when they saw a 28-year-old man stealing. He was arrested after a short foot chase through a nearby field. Police said he was found to be wanted in connection to a shooting that occurred in April.

“As a result, the 28-year-old man has been charged with intentionally discharging a firearm in a reckless manner, aggravated assault, armed robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and breach of conditions,” police said. “He was also wanted for escaping lawful custody and was further charged for theft under $5,000 as a result of the retail crime blitz.”

In a separate incident during the retail blitz, police said officers were called to a retailer on Eighth Street East on Dec. 18 after a loss-prevention officer arrested a shoplifter.

“Further investigation by SPS officers found the man to be in possession of identification belonging to other persons and approximately three grams of cocaine. After providing false information, officers also found the man was wanted on a warrant of arrest in Edmonton,” police said.

“The 40 year old man is now facing charges of Theft Under $5000, Possession of Cocaine, Obstruction and Breach of Release Order.”

The police force thanked its partners and the community for the assistance officers received during the enforcement blitz.

“Community members are encouraged to continue reporting crime and suspicious activity in retail spaces to police,” the police service noted.