Police’s Project Eclipse lays over 250 charges in retail theft sting

A four-month long investigation into thefts and robberies of local Thunder Bay businesses has concluded.

Project Eclipse seized over $39,000 and laid 256 charges of theft, trafficking and obstruction.

“Analysis has shown a substantial amount of retail crime was taking place in our city,” said Staff Sergeant Chris Carlucci, who ran the investigation. “Our focus began in the Thunder Centre area.”

The project ended in February. Carlucci said that it was successful, but shone a light on the high volume of retail theft in the city and says there is more work to be done.

“We do anticipate additional projects taking place to combat this type of elicit behaviour,” Carlucci said.

Carlucci said around 90% of items that were taken were from retail stores. The sting also recovered items taken in break-and-enter cases.

“Although many of these crimes are crimes of opportunity, [this investigation] showed that there was a structure to it. This wasn’t just a person would go into a store and steal. There was a planning part of it,” he said.

Carlucci says police would like to remind the public to be mindful and report any suspicious activity. He says there are officers working tirelessly around the clock to return stolen items and apprehend shoplifters.