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Richmond RCMP continues targeted retail-theft enforcement through Boost & Bust operations
September operations resulted in 21 arrests and the recovery of more than $5,675 in stolen merchandise, Richmond RCMP said.
Richmond RCMP says it is continuing to target retail theft through its Boost & Bust initiative, which brings together police, loss-prevention personnel, retailers and community partners to identify prolific offenders, recover stolen property and improve public safety.
On Sept. 11 and 18, 2026, Richmond RCMP carried out two Boost & Bust operations as part of the Retail Council of Canada’s Fall 2026 National Retail Crime Task Force National Blitz. The operations were supported by the Organized Retail Crime Association of BC and Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program funding. Frontline officers, supported by investigative units, worked with loss-prevention personnel and retailers throughout Richmond.
Richmond YVR RCMP also conducted two Boost & Bust operations on Sept. 18 and 21. Those operations led to three arrests and the recovery of more than $3,100 in stolen merchandise, contributing to the broader enforcement effort in Richmond.
Across the operations, 21 people were arrested and more than $5,675 in stolen merchandise was recovered. Police will recommend theft-under-$5,000 charges against 13 adults, as well as an assault charge after a suspect allegedly assaulted a loss-prevention officer before police arrived. An additional charge for failing to comply with a release order will also be recommended. Extra-judicial measures will be recommended for two youths, restorative justice for two adults, and three people were released without charge. All those arrested were offered referrals to social services.
Insp. Vaz Kassam, Richmond RCMP’s operations officer, said the initiative demonstrates the value of collaboration among police, loss-prevention personnel and community stakeholders. Richmond RCMP conducted four previous Boost & Bust operations earlier in 2026, including a smaller July project supporting ORCA-BC, and has further operations planned for the fall and winter. Police encourage anyone witnessing a theft in progress or with information about retail crime to report it.