90 arrested, nearly $20K in stolen items identified in Niagara shoplifting initiative

Niagara police say 90 people have been arrested and nearly $20,000 worth of stolen items have been identified as a result of the force’s shoplifting initiative over the past four months.

The police department says its Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit launched the 3P (Past the Point of Purchase) Shoplifting Initiative after hearing concerns from residents.

Between September and December, investigators identified $19,871 in stolen merchandise. Of that, $12,272 was recovered in saleable condition and returned to retailers.

Police say 90 people were arrested and 71 people are facing criminal charges in connection with the shoplifting initiative.

Officers say they also seized weapons, laid drug-related charges and arrested people with outstanding warrants.

Community members wishing to have retail theft addressed are asked to contact the lead investigator, Sgt. Richardson, at 905-688-4111, option #3, ext. #1009293.

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