Elderly couple accused in Vancouver fencing ring that used drug addicts as shoplifters

An elderly couple have been arrested by police after the discovery of more than $200,000 worth of stolen goods inside an east Vancouver home.

At a news conference Tuesday showing off some of the stolen items — ranging from razor blades to perfume to designer purses and clothing — Insp. Earl Andersen said the couple relied on drug-addicted shoplifters and organized retail crime groups to steal the goods, which were then resold locally or shipped abroad.

Andersen, of the Vancouver police anti-fencing unit, said police obtained a search warrant and then moved in on the property on East 20th Avenue near Fraser Street on March 1. The man arrested is 74 and the woman is 69.

“The couple have no criminal record but are well known to Vancouver police,” Andersen said. The names and offences have not yet been made public as police are awaiting Crown approval on the charges, said Anderson.

“We believe this group has been active for several years,” he said.

While many think shoplifting is a non-violent crime, Andersen points out front-line staff and security at the stores are at risk, as some of the shoplifters can become violent.

“These crimes are seen as non-violent, but do have the possibility to escalate in a hurry,” he said.

A recent conflict between a thief and security at a Shoppers Drug Mart ended in violence, he said, and “both the suspect and the loss-prevention officer sustained injuries.”

A husband and wife face charges in connection with the sale of stolen property, including these high-end purses.

Police are also warning people that it is an offence to buy stolen items. “If your purchase cost is too good to be true, it is likely a stolen item,” he said.

Some of the items are sold locally through places such as flea markets, and some are sent to Asian buyers.

The couple would pay the shoplifters about 10 cents on the dollar and in many cases they would give the thieves a list of items they wanted.

The elderly couple even had people show up at their home to purchase stolen items, said Andersen. “When you are buying it out of a house they are 100-per-cent stolen items,” he said.

Dave Toner, who works for Shoppers Drug Mart, said shoplifting puts staff at risk. ”They create a significant safety risk to staff working in the store,” he said.

Tony Hunt of London Drugs said organized retail theft rings often recruit drug addicts who need quick cash. “They prey upon the most vulnerable and needy in our society,” he said.

And he said the retailer is forced to pass the costs of shoplifting on to the consumer. “All retail stores are impacted from retail theft,” he said.

 jcolebourn@postmedia.com

Starbucks products were among the $200,000 worth of goods seized from an east Vancouver home alleged to have been a clearing house for shoplifted goods. (VPD handout)