Richmond RCMP continues to target retail theft through its ongoing "Boost & Bust" initiative, a collaborative enforcement strategy involving police, loss prevention personnel, retailers, and community partners. The initiative focuses on identifying prolific offenders, recovering stolen property, and enhancing public safety.

On September 11 and 18, Richmond RCMP conducted two Boost & Bust operations as part of the Retail Council of Canada's National Retail Crime Task Force Fall 2026 National Blitz. The operations were supported through partnerships with the Organized Retail Crime Association of BC (ORCA-BC) and Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP) funding. Frontline officers, supported by investigative units, worked alongside loss prevention personnel and retailers throughout Richmond.

As part of the National Blitz, Richmond YVR RCMP also conducted two Boost & Bust operations on September 18 and 21, 2026. Those operations resulted in three arrests and the recovery of more than $3,100 worth of stolen merchandise, contributing to the overall enforcement effort across Richmond.

As a result of the operations 21 individuals were arrested;, theft under $5,000 charges will be recommended against 13 adults; one additional assault charge will be recommended after a suspect allegedly assaulted a loss prevention officer prior to police arrival; one additional charge for failing to comply with a release order will be recommended; extra-judicial measures will be recommended for two youths; restorative Justice will be recommended for two adults; three individuals were released without charge; and more than $5,675 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.

In addition to enforcement action, all individuals arrested during the operations were offered referrals to social services.

"This initiative demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between police, loss prevention personnel, and community stakeholders," said Insp. Vaz Kassam, Operations Officer of Richmond RCMP . "Through intelligence-led enforcement and collaboration, we are able to identify repeat offenders, reduce retail crime, and improve community safety for businesses, employees, and shoppers alike."

Retail theft remains an area of focus for Richmond RCMP. Earlier in 2026, four previous Boost & Bust operations were conducted, including a smaller project in July in support of ORCA-BC. 

Richmond RCMP has additional Boost & Bust operations planned throughout the fall and winter. These initiatives will continue to target prolific offenders and organized retail crime while strengthening partnerships that support community safety. 

Anyone who witnesses a theft in progress or has information about retail crime is encouraged to report it to police.