The Delta Police Department’s (DPD) Patrol Support Team (PST) partnered with the Surrey RCMP Northern Community Response Unit (CRU) recently teamed up to conduct a targeted operation aimed at reducing theft in Guildford town centre.

According to DPD, this joint one-day initiative resulted in the arrest of 25 people for various theft-related crimes.

The operation, coordinated in collaboration with mall security and nine participating retail stores, including US loss prevention specialists, was very effective in curbing criminal activity, police say.

Among the recommended charges were:

17 counts of theft under $5,000

Possession of identity documents

Failure to comply with the term of probation

Police also executed three arrest warrants, resulting in the arrest of one person for violating probation. Officers seized three weapons, including knives and pepper spray, and recovered more than $6,500 in stolen merchandise.

“The success of this anti-theft project demonstrates the value of the partnership between the Delta Police Department and our Surrey police partners,” said A/Insp. James Sandberg, DPD spokesman. “Together, we are increasing our effectiveness in reducing crime in our communities.”