Retail Theft Initiative Results in 20 Arrests

Twenty people have been arrested following a four-day project targeting retail theft at a plaza in Oshawa. Five of the parties arrested were also charged with breaching court-imposed conditions.

On Friday, September 26, 2025, the DRPS East Division Community Response Unit concluded a pro-active retail theft initiative after an increase in thefts from businesses in a plaza at Harmony Road North and Taunton Road East.  

The initiative, called ‘Safe Shop’ was implemented to help combat retail theft and provide outreach and education about theft prevention to businesses. In addition, DRPS provided targeted enforcement through proactive police patrols to arrest retail theft offenders.

The initiative resulted in 20 arrests, 26 charges and five breach related charges.

Of the 20 arrested, five accused were already on previous court-imposed conditions relating to previous theft charges, highlighting a concerning pattern of recidivism.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact Cst. Belmonte of East Division Community Response Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 3788.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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