A two-day anti-shoplifting blitz in Burnaby's Metrotown neighbourhood led to 22 arrests and the seizure of several weapons last month.
Uniformed and plain clothes officers upped enforcement in the area on March 13 and 14.
One of the suspects arrested was a 16-year-old boy walking around with a can of bear spray "hanging out of his pocket," according to the release.
The youth was also found to be carrying a pellet gun.
Another 16-year-old who had been banned from Metrotown mall was caught on the premises with bear spray.
And a 30-year-old man was caught with bear spray as well as a hunting knife, several break-in tools, numerous stolen items and miscellaneous drugs, according to police.
Among the 22 suspects arrested were four discovered to be breaching court orders and one known violent offender who was wanted on an arrest warrant.
Police recovered more than $2,800 worth of stolen items, according to the release.
The so-called "boost and bust" initiative was aimed at enhancing public safety, curbing shoplifting and violent crime and supporting businesses and loss prevention officers, according to a Burnaby RCMP news release Monday.
"The goal of this initiative is to address repeat violent offences," Burnaby RCMP Sgt. Neil Jones said in the release. "Our community response team conducts boost and bust operations at various locations throughout the year and will continue with this initiative based on the needs of the community."
Police are reminding residents that bear spray is legal to buy but not legal to carry for protection in public.
"If it is used as a weapon, you could be charged with assault with a weapon or other serious offences," stated the release.
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