The Sarnia Police Service launched a new partnership with local shop owners on February 26, 2026, to cut down on retail theft in Sarnia, Ontario. This project brings together police officers and store security to share information and catch shoplifters in the act to help keep local stores and shoppers safe.
During a single day of enforcement, police worked with private security guards to arrest three people who now face six criminal charges. The team included plainclothes investigators, uniformed officers, and special constables who targeted repeat offenders in busy shopping areas.
Officers recovered stolen items including LED lighting, skincare products, and about $290 worth of clothing from a business on Quinn Drive. All three individuals arrested were already under court-ordered conditions or on probation for previous crimes, including past shoplifting charges.
This effort is part of the work done by the Community Crime Unit, which was created through a partnership with Lambton College. The unit allows students studying criminal justice to help police investigate property crimes while freeing up other officers to handle emergency calls.
Police Chief Derek Davis said this partnership helps the service deal with retail theft without taking resources away from urgent situations. Residents can expect to see more police activity in major shopping districts as the service works to stop organized theft.
