Mission shoplifters have little luck escaping police

MISSION — Shoplifters had little success getting away with stolen merchandise in Mission last week, with two men arrested in separate incidents after police quickly tracked them down.

The first incident happened on November 5, when Mission RCMP were called to a disturbance outside a clothing store along London Avenue. Officers learned two men had allegedly stolen about $2,000 worth of merchandise before getting into an altercation with a security guard.

Knowing shoplifters often flee north across the railway tracks in that area, an officer headed to the other side. The hunch paid off, with police finding a man standing beside a pile of new clothing. He was also wearing a baseball cap that still had its price tag attached.

The 37-year-old was arrested for theft under $5,000. Police are continuing to investigate the identity of the second suspect.

Three days later, on November 8, RCMP were called to a grocery store along London Avenue after staff reported a man had allegedly stolen watches and other items. Police located the suspect nearby and determined he had also entered another store in the mall, despite being prohibited from doing so under a probation order.

The 30-year-old, reportedly wearing one of the stolen watches, was arrested and held for a court hearing.