Image: AbbyPD / The Abbotsford Police Department says an 8-month initiative meant to target prolific violent offenders and crooks responsible for random acts of violence has resulted in the arrest of over 200 people.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford Police Department

Abbotsford PD arrests 200+ in ‘Project Spotlight’ meant to target violent repeat offenders

May 30, 2024 | 12:57 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Police Department says an 8-month initiative meant to target prolific violent offenders and crooks responsible for random acts of violence has resulted in the arrest of over 200 people.

According to a news release Thursday (May 30) from the department, Abbotsford police say the goal behind Project Spotlight was to keep Abbotsford streets safer by arresting violent offenders who were released on conditions and by targeting property crime offenders who were using violence during the commission of their crimes and creating continuous financial losses to businesses.

“This project was a combined effort of uniformed and undercover officers who used multiple tactics, including surveillance, vehicle, foot, bike, and ATV patrols,” said Constable Jody Thomas, media spokesperson for AbbyPD. “The officers worked closely with stakeholders which included loss prevention officers and business owners. This project was funded through the Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) program under the provincial government’s Safer Communities Action Plan.

Project highlights:

• 523 police files initiated
• 224 arrests (122 were outstanding wanted persons)
• weapon seizures (including 2 loaded sawed-off shotguns & imitation firearms, machetes, hatchets, bear spray, batons, throwing stars, knives, spiked bat & crossbow)
• recovery of stolen property
• drug & illegal cigarette seizures
• 106 violation tickets issued
• 8 impaired drivers prohibited from driving
• vehicle impounds & 1 car seized for civil forfeiture

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In the first four months of 2023, Abbotsford had a 23.3 per cent increase in crimes against persons. Comparatively, in 2024, after project completion, the rate of increase is now down to 6.8 per cent. Police suspect this data point is a direct result of targeted enforcement during this project.

“Project Spotlight is just one of the many initiatives the AbbyPD undertakes to arrest repeat prolific offenders and bring them before the courts,” Cst. Thomas said. “We will always strive to take these offenders off our streets to decrease property crime and give our citizens the protections they deserve. Stay tuned for our next prolific offender project, ‘Operation DejaVu’”.