Prince George RCMP arrest 40 in retail theft crackdown

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“It doesn’t really matter where your business might be located. You’ve probably experienced shoplifting there,” Cooper said. “So we partner with loss prevention officers at these locations and with the business itself, and really dial down and target these repeat shoplifters.”

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Cooper explained that the POP team works with frontline officers and crime analysts to spot ongoing issues in the community.

“If we notice a trend, the problem-oriented policing team can step in to create a strategy to address it and see what police can do to reduce or stop it,” Cooper said.

During the project, the POP team also made several traffic stops, which led to further police action. Cooper said officers seized about 180 grams of illicit drugs, suspected to be fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and helped recover another $5,000 in stolen property.

Cooper noted that the team’s work goes beyond just retail crime.

“Our problem-oriented policing team doesn’t just handle shoplifting. They also respond to issues at residences or follow up on Crime Stoppers tips,” she said. “If we get repeated reports of suspicious behaviour in a neighbourhood, that’s why we always ask people to call in this information.”

Cooper said even small tips matter.

“If frontline police can’t act on a tip, it will likely go to our problem-oriented policing team to handle those complaints. So no complaint is too small,” she said. “Sometimes, that’s what we need to help build the evidence to act on these complaints.”

The RCMP said POP team officers are local members from Prince George, many of whom are former frontline officers who apply for the position. Cooper said some join for a set period, while others stay on permanently.

The team works on projects throughout the year and chooses its next focus based on trends identified by frontline officers and crime analysts.

So far in 2026, the POP team’s Boost and Bust projects have resulted in about 60 arrests and the recovery of more than $5,000 in merchandise.

Cooper said the RCMP keeps records on repeat offenders. If someone is arrested in more than one Boost and Bust project, that history is included in the Report to Crown Counsel and considered during the charge approval process.

The RCMP encourages anyone who sees suspicious behaviour to report it, as these tips often help investigators build the cases they need to take action.