The Sarnia Police Service (SPS) has launched a small multi-phased project to tackle one of the many property crime challenges being reported in the city, the theft of shopping carts.
Police said this year alone, approximately 650 carts have been stolen from area retailers.
The SPS has been working with retailers and theft victims to return their property when recovered.
Police said multiple shopping carts and a wheelbarrow were returned to their rightful owners after they were recovered from Rainbow Park (the site of a homeless encampment) in August.
While the project will focus on recovering stolen carts, it also aims to educate and refer individuals to support services.
"Every interaction the police have, is an opportunity to encourage some of our high risk individuals to access available services including shelters, addiction support, or other paths that can address some of their underlying challenges," read an SPS media release. "Property crimes, including thefts, are a high priority for residents of Sarnia. Stolen shopping carts are only one piece of a larger crime problem that spans different demographics and individual circumstances."
Police said offenders will be encouraged to return stolen items to their rightful place.
A previous notice issued by police warned about penalties for those caught stealing shopping carts from stores.
"Individuals who do so are engaging in theft and can be charged with theft under $5,000 and/or possession of stolen property," read a media release.
Police Chief Derek Davis said other property crime related initiatives are underway or are in development.
"This latest addition is only one aspect of a much larger [extensive] effort in this crime category," said Davis in a statement. "The stolen shopping cart is a visible reminder of the work that needs to be done in our community when attempting to alleviate the many social and crime related concerns our residents experience every day."
Police-reported crime statistics for 2023 showed a 19 per cent increase in theft ($5,000 or under) compared to 2022.