Image: Ridge Meadows RCMP / Four individuals were recently arrested after trying to steal from a Maple Ridge store within a span of one hour.

By Alyssa Conti

RETAIL THEFT

Police arrest four alleged shoplifters in one hour in Maple Ridge store

Dec 12, 2025 | 1:34 PM

MAPLE RIDGE — Ridge Meadows RCMP have been cracking down on shoplifting since September, with one recent blitz yielding multiple suspects at a Maple Ridge store.

On November 17, Crime Reduction Unit officers responded to reports of a person exiting the store with a concealed item. After stopping the individual, three more were found and arrested for theft, each in separate incidents at the store.

One individual was caught trying to steal roughly $650 worth of items, and another was arrested with more than $750 worth of meat.

Some were charged with theft and breaching bail conditions, while others were released on the condition that they not enter the store. All were referred to social services.

“This isn’t just run-of-the-mill theft, but rather repeat offenders openly stealing large quantities of items from the same retailers,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP CRU Sergeant Joe Whalley.

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“This kind of activity not only impacts businesses, but the surrounding community where this kind of stolen product is illegally resold posing public health and safety risks. The goal of our approach is not only holding offenders accountable but also connecting individuals with the support they need.”

The enforcement is part of ‘Project Anchor’, an ongoing initiative focusing on cutting down retail theft in the Maple Ridge downtown core in response to continuing issues in the area over the last few months.