An operation against shoplifting resulted in the seizure of half a million dollars worth of clothing and accessories intended for resale in Greater Montreal.
Three individuals suspected of belonging to a shoplifting network were arrested last Thursday during the operation orchestrated by the Eastern Regional Investigation Section of the Montreal City Police Service (SPVM). They are two women and a man aged 36, 39 and 49 respectively.
According to the SPVM, they would have been responsible for “selling the merchandise stolen by accomplices in various businesses in the greater metropolitan area”. All three were released pending the conclusions of the investigation which is still ongoing.
The thieves, aided by suspects, reportedly used specialized tools to deactivate anti-theft devices, thus avoiding triggering store alarms.
A café and a food market located in the borough of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie were allegedly used to resell stolen items, many of which came from sought-after brands. Two residences located in Montréal-Nord and Côte-des-Neiges were also searched by the Eastern Regional Investigation Section.
The entire operation also resulted in the seizure of numerous prepaid gift cards and $15,000 in cash.
According to the SPVM, the shoplifting network also operated outside the Montreal region.