The Saskatoon Police Service is cracking down on retail crime saying there has been a steady increase in businesses in the city experiencing a rise in prolific and violent offenders entering into stores.

Project SHIELD is intended to address situations where shoplifting is observed, weapons are present, and the threat of violence is evident towards staff, Loss Prevention Officers, security personnel and shoppers.

Wednesday and Thursday Saskatoon Police officers have a visible presence in the 200, 300, and 400 blocks of Confederation Drive. They are working alongside Loss Prevention Officers and security personnel to identify and arrest offenders for a range of crimes such as theft, robbery, weapons possession, breach charges and executing outstanding warrants.

The goal of Project SHIELD is to successfully apprehend violent and repeat offenders to reduce the risk of harm as well as mitigate financial damage incurred by businesses.

Project SHIELD coincides with the Retail Council of Canada’s “Retail Blitz” which targets retail crime across the country. The police also ask the public to help by reporting crimes and suspicious activity that you come across.