York Regional Police have launched a summer enforcement effort to crack down on organized retail theft in Aurora and Newmarket. Called Project Wholesale, it began June 1, 2026, and runs through September 1, 2026.
The initiative puts extra officers in high-risk shopping areas, guided by a mix of past crime data, tips from retailers, and ongoing investigations. The goal is to cut financial losses for businesses and make stores safer for everyone.
Local shops have seen a troubling rise in theft that is now often organized and aggressive. Across Canada, retailers lost an estimated $9.1 billion to theft in 2024, nearly double the $5 billion reported in 2018, according to industry figures. Police say the problem is no longer just casual shoplifting- it has grown into coordinated crime rings that use tools like foil-lined bags to sneak merchandise past security.
Earlier this year, a similar crackdown by York Regional Police called the Booster Initiative led to 88 arrests and 169 charges at 16 retail chains, with officers recovering $114,250 in stolen goods. Project Wholesale builds on that momentum, using a data-driven plan to put officers where they are needed most.
Residents who want to help can report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online. Anyone with direct information can also call the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7142.
