Vancouver Police: Innovating to Combat Retail Crime
On this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, we sat down with Craig Reynolds and Jay Ruzycki of the Vancouver Police Department to discuss the international work being done to combat ORC.
Why it matters:
Vancouver Police Department's innovative approaches to retail crime offer insights into successful public-private partnerships and emerging challenges in retail theft investigation.
The big picture:
Shifting terminology: Officials are moving away from "shoplifting" terminology as it understates the organized nature of retail crime
Multi-agency cooperation: Success requires collaboration between retailers, police, and courts
Technology challenges: Video format compatibility and electronic disclosure systems remain key hurdles
Notable initiatives:
Business Liaison Officer Program: Facilitates direct communication between police and retailers
Project Barcode: Targets violent shoplifters and chronic offenders through coordinated operations
Key challenges:
Rising violence and weapons presence in retail theft incidents
Coordination with online marketplaces for investigating stolen goods
Managing complex relationships between unhoused populations, mental health, and organized retail crime
What's next:
Vancouver PD aims to improve technological capabilities and public awareness about retail crime's connection to larger criminal enterprises.
