BC RCMP’s Real Time Intelligence Centre (RTIC-BC) is reporting significant success in the lawful use of tracking technology to support investigations into bank robberies and organized retail thefts, resulting in the arrest of multiple individuals from twelve separate activations over the past six months.
The technology, deployed in partnership with financial institutions and local businesses, allows police to receive real-time location information following a robbery or theft. The data enables officers from RTIC to instantly direct police resources, monitor suspect movements, and safely apprehend offenders while recovering stolen property and evidence.
The department’s current success rate stands at 100 per cent, with all twelve activations resulting in arrests of alleged offenders and the partial recovery of stolen goods.
“This technology is transforming the way we respond to crimes involving fleeing suspects,” says Staff Sergeant Scott Grimmer, Acting Officer in Charge of RTIC-BC. “Real time tracking provides our officers with actionable information that allows us to make informed decisions, reduce risk to the public, and safely take offenders into custody.”
RTIC-BC officers regularly monitor dispatch systems and police radios for calls, working as virtual first responders. RTIC officers can communicate directly with the officers on the road to assist locating suspects quickly and recovering stolen property before it can be disposed of or transferred. In several recent incidents, the virtual first responders tracked suspects immediately following activation; they coordinated with partnering police agencies and executed arrests successfully.
Beginning in January 2026 to date, RTIC-BC reports that the twelve successful activations have resulted in multiple Criminal Code charges, including robbery, theft under $5,000, and breaches of court-ordered conditions. Offences are alleged to have occurred in multiple jurisdictions, including Vancouver, Saanich, Surrey and Kamloops.
Police are encouraging businesses that may be vulnerable to robbery or organized retail theft to explore available security technologies and maintain strong relationships with local law enforcement partners.
RTIC-BC continues to explore and use innovative policing tools and collaborative crime reduction strategies aimed at supporting frontline officers, protecting residents and businesses, and holding offenders accountable.
Anyone with information related to robbery, organized retail theft, or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police department or to report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).