THE SASKATOON Police Service (SPS) has officially concluded its third and final retail crime blitz of 2025, revealing that 30 individuals were arrested during a high-intensity undercover operation throughout the month of December.
The results, released in a detailed report on Thursday morning, underscore a growing trend of organized and often violent retail theft within the Bridge City. Known as “Project Shield,” the operation targeted prolific offenders who have turned local shopping districts into high-risk zones for employees and patrons alike.
The Operation: Six Days of Enforcement
Project Shield was executed over six separate days in late December, strategically timed to coincide with the peak of the holiday shopping season. Led by the SPS Community Engagement Division, the blitz utilized a collaborative “strike team” approach featuring:
- Community Mobilization Units
- School Resource Officers
- Alternative Response Officers
- General Investigation Units
Working in tandem with Loss Prevention Officers (LPOs) and private security at predetermined retail locations, officers focused on high-traffic areas including Midtown Mall, the Confederation Drive corridor, and the 8th Street business district.
By the Numbers: Charges and Recovered Property
The operation resulted in significant enforcement actions:
- 30 Total Arrests: Officers successfully apprehended 30 individuals, many of whom were already known to police.
- 42 New Charges: Charges ranged from theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property to more serious offenses including weapons possession, drug possession, and obstruction of a peace officer.
- Warrant Executions: The blitz allowed police to clear numerous outstanding warrants for individuals who had previously evaded court dates.
- $2,600+ in Stolen Goods: Thousands of dollars in merchandise were recovered and returned to retailers on-site.
Targeting Violent and Repeat Offenders
Inspector Doug McNeil of the Community Engagement Division highlighted that the primary goal of Project Shield is not just to recover property, but to ensure public safety.
“As holiday activity increases, it’s important that every community member feels safe,” McNeil stated in the official release. “We have seen a rise in prolific and violent offenders who are not only shoplifting but are also carrying weapons—such as bear spray, knives, or bats—and using them to threaten staff and security.”
The report noted that while education was provided to first-time or “low-prolific” offenders, the project’s focus remained squarely on those committing multiple crimes per week to fund illicit lifestyles or organized crime rings.
A Growing Province-Wide Trend
Project Shield is part of a broader provincial strategy to combat a surge in retail crime across Saskatchewan. Recent police data indicates that shoplifting is increasingly being driven by organized groups who “steal to order,” selling stolen hardware, electronics, and groceries through online marketplaces.
The SPS encourages local businesses and residents to continue reporting suspicious activity through their non-emergency line at 306-975-8300 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
