The Saskatoon Police Service Community Mobilization Unit (CMU), with the assistance of Alternative Response Officers (ARO) recently completed a high visibility initiative around multiple Saskatoon shopping areas.

Over the course of four days, CMU and ARO’s had an overt police presence in the 200 block of 1st Avenue South, the 300 and 400 blocks of Confederation Drive, 8th Street East, and the 2400 block of 22nd Street, to proactively deter and address crime through community engagement, education, partnerships, and high visibility patrols.

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.

Police thank our retail partners and community for their assistance throughout this initiative. 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.