Sarnia Police Auxiliary Unit works to return stolen shopping carts to businesses

The high cost of crime is often passed on to consumers – whether it’s shoplifting, vandalism or property damage.

Sarnia Police Service has several long term initiatives underway that aim to reduce that burden for businesses and shoppers, and this past weekend the Sarnia Police Auxillary Unit worked to gather stolen shopping carts from across the city, returning them to their rightful owners.

The shopping cart project is one of many attempts to mitigate thievery and it’s impact on the broader community – this includes educational initiatives, and referrals to support services in the community for offenders. Offenders are encouraged to return stolen property, are warned of the potential consequences, and are charged for repeated offenses.

“We always have opportunities in our city to explore new policing approaches. As an example, if we think way back to the Broken Windows Theory, visible signs of disorder and misbehaviour could be responsible for encouraging further disorder and misbehaviour,” said Chief Derek Davis. “These stolen and abandoned carts, highly visible and strewn around our community, are symbolic of the need for new approaches. The SPS continues to implement new initiatives to help protect our residents and businesses from crime and disorder.”

Police auxillary units are arms of police units that helm community engagement and special events. This helps officers to remain available for front line responses, while continuing the important work of community engagement.