B.C. crime news: RCMP arrests 22 people in Metrotown shoplifting blitz

Mounties say 22 people have been arrested and numerous weapons seized during a two-day blitz at a Burnaby mall aimed at curbing shoplifting and violent crime.

The “boost and bust” initiative by Burnaby RCMP had patrol and plain clothes officers patrolling Metropolis at Metrotown mall on March 13 and 14.

Among the people arrested were a 16-year-old youth already banned from the mall by security, who was found with bear spray inside the mall; and a 30-year-old man who carried a hunting knife, a can of bear spray, break-in tools and allegedly stolen items and suspected drugs.

Out of the 22, four people were found to have breached court-ordered conditions. One was a violent offender with an arrest warrant from another jurisdiction.

Police also recovered over $2,800 worth of stolen items.

chchan@postmedia.com