Project Arrow was a success, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).
Today, Feb. 17, police released statistics from the month-long project focusing on downtown shoplifting, announcing they arrested 130 individuals with 268 different criminal charges recommended by police. Project Arrow was created in response to what Inspector Rob Clarke, who's the commanding officer for District 1 (the downtown core), called a "disturbing trend" over recent months.
“This initiative was established in response to growing crime in the area,” says Clarke in a press release. “Last year in the downtown core, VPD saw a 260 per cent increase in shoplifting incidents involving weapons such as bear spray, knives, needles, and guns, when compared to the previous year.”
2020 saw a drop in property crime he added in a press conference, but there was an increase in violent shoplifting. The initiative focused on that aspect, and prolific offenders.
During Project Arrow police also returned $37,000 in stolen items and collected 35 weapons, which ranged from bear spray to uncapped dirty syringes.
Police worked with loss prevention officers and security guards.
“I am proud of these results, and I hope this initiative sends a clear message to the business community that the VPD will respond swiftly when you tell us your concerns about crime and safety,” adds Clarke. “Moreover, I hope it sends a clear message to violent thieves – we are watching you, and when we catch you, you will be arrested and charged.”
At the press conference, Clarke noted that it's important for people to feel safe in the city's core.
Of those arrested, 45 were wanted by the law or were breaching bail conditions.
Members of Vancouver's downtown business community also participated in the press conference and thanked the VPD for the operation.
"This was an important operation because it identifies and addresses individuals, dangerous individuals, who are plaguing our retail businesses," said Tony Hunt loss prevention manager for London Drugs.
Police released a video to illustrate the types of crimes they were targeting, noting none of the incidents captured were part of Project Arrow but were indicative of what it was focusing on.
The VPD put the entire press conference online for those who wish to watch.
#VPDLivestream Vancouver Police announce results of violent shoplifter prevention initiative https://t.co/UjsuJbilX5
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) February 17, 2021
