60 arrests made during police blitz that targeted thieves at Square One in Mississauga

A beefed-up police presence last month at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga led to 60 arrests for shoplifting and other offences and the recovery of more than $43,000 in stolen goods.

In a Dec. 4 to 16 enforcement blitz aimed at reducing Christmas season retail thefts at Ontario’s largest shopping centre, Peel Regional Police officers were deployed to walk the aisles alongside holiday shoppers and keep a sharp lookout for offenders.

“Investigators engaged in a retail enforcement blitz deploying dedicated resources in a proactive and tactical manner through foot and mobile patrols to detect, arrest and process offenders with emphasis placed on repeat, violent and/or individuals that were wanted on outstanding arrest warrants,” police said in a news release on Friday, adding the initiative also helped increase community safety.

The additional police officers were also available to respond to emergency calls for service and help the mall’s Security and Loss Prevention officers.

The blitz ran in collaboration with Square One officials, police noted.

Police said the five dozen arrests led to numerous charges. In other cases, they added, officers diverted some offenders and offered assistance by way of community referrals in lieu of criminal charges, where appropriate.

Police note that, as always, they encourage anyone with information related to thefts at the mall or anywhere else to call them at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133, or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.