Surrey Mounties say 15 people were arrested and about $1,000 in stolen goods was recovered on Dec. 9 during a “Boost or Bust” operation targeting thieves at the Guildford Town Centre shopping mall.
The recovered items included liquor, cosmetics, and food.
Cpl. Sarbjit Sangha said of the 15 arrested, “four are facing criminal charges, one youth is being referred to the Youth Intervention Program, and several were issued civil bans from attending businesses, along with warnings that they may be charged criminally should they be caught stealing again in the future.”
READ ALSO: Police in Surrey target shoplifters as holiday shopping ramps up
Also on December 9, she added, police patrolling in the mall’s parking lot spotted a suspicious-looking vehicle “circling around” and discovered it was stolen.
“The vehicle was followed to Mission where the driver attempted to flee on foot. The driver was arrested with the assistance of Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of stolen items with price tags still attached, and a catalytic converter, which had been cut off of the stolen vehicle.”
Charles Henry Parrish, 34, has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5000, dangerous operation of a conveyance, flight from police while operating a motor vehicle and driving while disqualified.