Richmond RCMP arrest 21 and recover more than $5,675 in stolen goods

Richmond RCMP arrested 21 people and recovered more than $5,675 in stolen merchandise, including beauty products and groceries, during several retail-theft operations this month.

The detachment conducted two Boost and Bust operations on Sept. 11 and 18 as part of the Retail Council of Canada's National Retail Crime Task Force Fall 2026 National Blitz. Two additional operations at YVR on Sept. 18 and 21 resulted in three arrests and the recovery of $3,100 worth of stolen items.

Police are recommending theft-under-$5,000 charges against 13 people. They are also recommending one assault charge after a suspect allegedly assaulted a loss-prevention officer, and one charge for failing to comply with a release order. Restorative Justice will be recommended for two adults, while two arrested youths will be recommended for extrajudicial measures. Three people were released without charge, and all those arrested were offered referrals to social services.

The operations were supported through partnerships with the Organized Retail Crime Association of BC and funding from the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program. Insp. Vaz Kassam, operations officer with Richmond RCMP, said intelligence-led enforcement and collaboration help identify repeat offenders, reduce retail crime and improve safety for businesses, employees and shoppers.

Retail theft remains a priority for Richmond RCMP, which has carried out four previous Boost & Bust operations in 2026, including a July project with ORCA-BC. Police encourage anyone who witnessed a theft or has information about retail crime to report it to RCMP.