Christmas crackdown in the city

ridgemeadows.rcmp.ca

2021-12-06 11:19 PST

File # Public Advisory

Maple Ridge B.C – Ridge Meadows RCMP is enhancing their patrols and presence in the downtown cores of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge for the holiday shopping season.

Dubbed "Project Christmas Core", and utilizing a three-pronged strategy, the Uniformed Community Response Unit (UCRU), the General Duty sections and the Integrated Safety Ambassador Team (ISAT) will be increasing activities in both downtown cores to heighten Christmas safety during these busy holiday times.

Starting today, Monday December 6, the Project Christmas Core initiative will be increasing General Duty foot patrols to deter would be thieves from breaking into vehicles and hoping to grab unsuspecting shopper's parcels left in vehicles.

Additionally, with the goal of catching active shoplifters, the Uniformed Community Response Team has planned several blitz’s working with local retailers throughout the month of December to support local businesses in both communities.

The results of the first weekend of Blitz by the UCRU Team netted the following:

• Day 1 – The Pitt Meadows blitz resulted in a shoplifter being arrested with multiple breach charges.
• Day 2 - The Maple Ridge blitz resulted in three shoplifters being arrested.
• Day 3 – The second day blitz in Maple Ridge resulted in four shoplifters arrested; a violation ticket issued for no drivers licence and a prohibited driver being removed from the road.

Third, the Integrated Safety Ambassador Team (ISAT), a joint initiative between the RCMP's volunteer programs and the City of Maple Ridge, will also increase patrols in concert with police officers during the month in support of Project Christmas Core.

"Thieves don't share our holiday spirit of kindness and giving and they will use any opportunity to target us," states Constable Julie Klaussner. "While police are out and about and will provide an increased police presence we ask and encourage our citizens to also do what they can in order to reduce becoming a victim this holiday season. Hide or remove items from your vehicles. Also, if you are expecting front door deliveries, we strongly recommend making arrangements with a neighbour you trust to pick them up for you and not leave them outdoors all day while you are waiting to get home."

The Project Christmas Core starts today and will continue to the end of December.
 

Released by

Cpl. Julie Klaussner

Email: julie.klaussner@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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