A targeted Windsor police initiative to curb retail theft and fraud has led to dozens of arrests.
Members of the Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Unit worked with 15 retailers across the city during an enforcement blitz from last Wednesday to Saturday. It was a coordinated effort to prevent and deter shoplifting and retail fraud.
During the four-day blitz, police arrested 32 suspects, including four youths.
A total of 33 criminal charges were laid.
They included 19 counts of theft under $5,000, four counts of engaging in prohibited activity on the premises, three counts of failure to comply with a release order, and one count each of fraud under $5,000, mischief, and breach of probation.
"Retail theft has a significant impact on local businesses, staff, and our community," said Windsor Police Staff Sergeant Brian Caffarena. "This initiative demonstrates our commitment to working closely with our retail partners to deter crime and hold offenders accountable."
The charges have not been proven in court. In addition to the criminal counts, the four youth suspects were referred to a youth diversion program.
Nine trespass notices were also issued.
