Specific shopping areas in Saskatoon, over the course of four days recently, were targeted with an overt police presence.

This involved the Police Service Community Mobilization Unit and Alternative Response Officers near Midtown Plaza; in the area of the 300 and 400 blocks of Confederation Drive; 8th Street East; and the 2400 block of 22nd Street to proactively deter and address crime.

In a news release the Saskatoon Police Service says prolific shoplifters have become more common and violent, often concealing or producing weapons during the theft.

The purpose of this initiative is to provide safer public spaces in the City of Saskatoon by providing a visible police presence, enforcing the Criminal Code, Traffic Safety Act, bylaws and the Safe Public Spaces Act.

The police say community members are encouraged to continue reporting crime and suspicious activity in retail spaces to police by calling 306-975-8300 or, in an emergency, 9-1-1.