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The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit was established with a directive to address issues related to social disorder and criminal activity that impact the community. In response to community concerns regarding theft of significant monetary amounts, violence, and the presence of weapons in retail establishments, the #1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit launched the 3P (Past the Point of Purchase) Shoplifting Initiative.

Between September and November 2024, in collaboration with various retail partners, CORE members conducted nine focused initiatives to directly address retail theft. The following are the results from the initiative:

Arrests: 51

Criminal Charges: 48

Number of Individuals Cleared under a lesser statute: 13

During the 3P initiative, CORE members identified a total of $14,600.00 in stolen merchandise, of which $7,030.00 was recovered and returned to retail partners in “saleable” condition. CORE members also seized weapons, laid charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act, and identified and arrested individuals with outstanding warrants.

Members of the #1 District CORE Unit will be continuing this initiative to deter retail theft. Community members wishing to have retail theft addressed are asked to contact the lead investigator, Sergeant Richardson, at 905-688-4111, option #3, extension 1009293.