Four-day retail enforcement operation in Coquitlam, B.C., leads to 31 arrests

Thirty-one people have been arrested and more than $6,000 worth of stolen property has been recovered in a police blitz on retail theft in Coquitlam, B.C.

Mounties say officers launched the enforcement operation between Sept. 14 and 17, setting off recommendations for almost three dozen charges, the seizure of two weapons and the recovery of $6,190 worth of property. 

Police say one of the accused is a woman who allegedly stole more than $1,500 in goods from a local retailer. 

She has been released on a police undertaking and charge recommendations have been forwarded to the Crown. 

Sgt. Adriana O'Malley with Coquitlam RCMP says retail theft hurts businesses and places employees in difficult situations.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the police say businesses and the public should report suspicious activity or thefts quickly to help identify offenders and prevent future losses. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2026.

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