A man who is alleged to be a prolific repeat shoplifter was arrested by Kelowna RCMP after an undercover operation at a local store.
“This is not the first time our officers have gone covert specifically targeting shoplifters and it certainly won’t be the last,” said Sgt. Scott Powrie with Kelowna’s Community Safety Unit.
On Nov.15, members of the Kelowna RCMP Safety Unit staked out a retail store that had been repeatedly stolen from over the past few weeks.
Some Mounties dressed in plain clothes inside the store while others were positioned nearby in full uniform.
When a man that is alleged to be a “well-known shoplifter” entered the store, employees notified the RCMP and officers went into position.
According to a press release from the RCMP, the accused collected approximately $1,000 worth of items before attempting to leave the store without paying only to be stopped by the plain clothes cops.
Michael Alan Godson, 46, was arrested and taken into custody. He has previously been told not to enter the store. Godson will remain in jail until his next court appearance on November 23.
Godson has been charged with theft and two counts of breach of a previous release order for entering the store despite being ordered not to, and for carrying items that he is prohibited from possessing.
“It is very important that business owners communicate their concerns to us and help us help them,” said Sgt. Powrie. “We are more than prepared to work with our local retail businesses to divert resources where necessary and taper these crimes.”
The RCMP have released Michael Alan Godson’s photo as he is believed to be associated to a number of other thefts in the Kelowna area. Should you have any information or wish to report a shoplifting incident, please contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
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