Retail thefts doubled in April 2024, Richmond RCMP say

Retail thefts in Richmond have doubled from last year.

According to a community safety report from the Richmond RCMP, 180 shoplifting incidents were reported in April alone.

The most frequently stolen items were clothing and accessories.

Although this is a 1% decrease from March, it is more than double the number of incidents reported in April 2023 and is above the average for Richmond.

However, property and violent crime rates in Richmond were lower than the Lower Mainland average in April.

On March 9 and 21, Richmond RCMP conducted a “boost and bust” operation, which resulted in 19 arrests and the recovery of more than $7,000 in stolen items.

These operations were part of the RCMP Property Crime Unit’s efforts to combat common retail thefts.

Shoplifting is just one of many types of crimes that have contributed to Richmond’s rising property crime rate, the report said.

Between April 11 and 15, 12 cases of mail stolen from single-family residences were reported.

Police discovered the incidents were linked and intensified patrols, ultimately leading to the identification and arrest of two suspects.

Five thefts were also reported in April, two fewer incidents than in March, but an increase of three from last year.

Of the five incidents, two thefts involved a knife. In one incident, a suspect was located and arrested after fleeing the scene.

In addition, there were more than 30 break-ins into properties, 24 into residences and 14 into businesses.

Residential burglaries increased by 4 percent compared to March and 26 percent compared to April 2023.

Meanwhile, businesses saw a decline of 48 percent compared to March and 26 percent compared to last April.

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