Over $6,000 in stolen perfume and liquor found in Halton retail theft blitz leads to charges

More than $6,000 worth stolen alcohol and perfume has been recovered leading to charges for four people, including two who have been the “the subject of recent deportation hearings,” following a crackdown on retail thefts in Oakville, police say.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) say investigators wrapped up an operation earlier this month that saw members of the retail theft unit working “strategic enforcement” at LCBO locations across Oakville.

During the three-day blitz police say four people were arrested for liquor thefts valued at more than $2,500, as well as perfume worth approximately $3,500 allegedly stolen from a nearby Shoppers Drug Mart.

Police say two of the accused had “signal jamming devices and large magnets” that can be used to thwart theft detection technology at retail stores.

A total of nine charges have been laid against the four individuals.

Police have not disclosed their identities or any additional details about the accused but added two of the individuals “were the subject of recent deportation hearings.”

HRPS Superintendent Bob Gourley said retail crime “is a growing problem that is impacting retailers across the country.”

“Retail theft is not a victimless crime, as it hits all consumers through price inflation and is often orchestrated by organized crime groups. Additionally, retail crime has a potential for violence that impacts the well-being of those employed in this area of the economy”, Gourley said.

Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 905-825-4777.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visiting www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.