Shoplifting in BC
According to local police agencies, there is an epidemic of chronic shoplifting in the lower mainland. The Vancouver Police recently made another 258 arrests and recovered almost $57,000 in merchandise during the department’s continued crackdown on violent and chronic shoplifters. The recent arrests, made during a two-week operation between September 11 and 26, 2023 were the latest phase of Project Barcode. The project was first launched by the VPD last spring when police partnered with retailers to arrest 355 offenders throughout the city.
Project Barcode
Retail theft and violent shoplifting are not unique to Vancouver, and during the latest phase of Project Barcode, VPD coordinated with agencies from across Metro Vancouver to target thieves who move from city to city as they commit shoplifting offences. In addition to the 258 Vancouver arrests, 82 additional shoplifting arrests were made by Delta Police and RCMP in Langley, Richmond, and Burnaby. Over four days in September 2023, the Delta Police Department ran Project D-Barcode, with the goal of protecting the local business community from the impacts of shoplifting. The Delta initiative resulted in 14 charges (including theft) being recommended against individuals. This year, 18 arrests were made in Richmond with the most recovered items being clothing, footwear, cosmetics, electronics, and personal hygiene products.
Related: The Possible Outcomes of a Criminal Charge
According to Vancouver Police Department statistics, shoplifting reports were up 26 percent between January 1 and August 31 in 2023, with 4,617 incidents compared to 3,672 during the same period in 2022. Reported shoplifting incidents also increased 31 percent from 4,157 in 2021 to 5,452 in 2022.
But it is not just an increase in the volume of shoplifting that is occurring. Retailers are reporting an increase in the violence used during incidents of shoplifting as well as the sophistication used to commit the offence. For example, it’s not uncommon for shoplifters to work in teams with one party distracting store staff while the other removes the merchandise from the store.
Punishment for Theft in Canada
In aggravated circumstances, the prosecutor will ask the court to consider sending someone to jail for shoplifting. The punishment for theft under $5000 is set out in section 334(b) of the Criminal Code, which specifies that a person who is convicted of Theft Under $5000 may be jailed for up to two years. However, it is possible to avoid jail sentences in many cases, and first-time offenders can sometimes even avoid a criminal record.
Related: The Police Took My Stuff, Can I Get it Back?
As with all criminal offences, it is always the Crown’s obligation to prove all elements of the theft beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes proving, amongst other elements, that the accused before the court is the person who committed the theft.
If you are being investigated or have been charged with shoplifting, it is important to retain experienced counsel to advise you on the best course of action and help you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. The lawyers at Filkow Law have the skills and experience needed to help you. Call us today.
