To the Organized Shoplifters: Is It Worth It?

To the Organized Shoplifters: Is It Worth It?

We see you. Well-dressed. Coordinated. Calm. Moving through cosmetic departments in small-town drugstores like Mission, BC — taking what you want and walking out like it’s yours.

On June 30, a group of women entered the Shoppers Drug Mart in Mission and stole a whole shelf of cosmetics. On July 1, some of the same women targeted London Drugs and stole high-end perfume. On July 5, they returned for more. This is not desperation — this is an organized operation.

You may think you're clever. You may think small towns are easy targets. But people are talking. Security footage is everywhere. And police are watching — across B.C. and beyond.

Let’s be clear: If you are not a Canadian citizen and you are convicted of a crime like this, you can be deported. Canada does not tolerate abuse of its systems, and shoplifting is a criminal offense. We have laws, and they apply to everyone — no matter how nicely you're dressed.

Ask yourself: Is this why you came here? To rob the very communities that welcomed you? What are you giving back? What kind of future are you building?

This isn't about race. It's about respect. It’s about contribution. And it’s about protecting small businesses and honest families from those who exploit kindness.

If you're part of these rings — whether here on a visa, a student permit, or even permanent residency — it's time to stop. Because when the charges catch up with you, so will the consequences.

Canada is a land of opportunity — not a free-for-all. To the ones who came here to build something honest: thank you. But to the ones stealing from our shelves and our trust: We’re done being silent.

Let this be your warning.

– Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Two Thieves and a Country on the Edge

Two Thieves and a Country on the Edge

(By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita)

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Meet Joe.
Joe’s 49, lives in East Van, and lost his job during COVID. After EI ran out and the rent chewed up his last few bucks, he found himself standing in a grocery store aisle—staring at a loaf of bread and peanut butter. He hadn’t eaten in two days.

Joe grabbed them.
Walked out.
Security stopped him.
Police were called.
Joe was charged with theft under $5,000.

In court, the judge said,

“You should have used the food bank.”

Joe was fined and given a criminal record.
Now no employer will hire him.
He spiraled deeper into poverty. Still, he never stole again.

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Now meet “Amy.”
Amy lives in a posh South Surrey townhouse, drives a high-end SUV, and receives shipments of stolen yoga wear—hundreds of Lululemon items—into her garage. She’s not stealing herself. She’s coordinating a network of people who do.

In a single year, she moved over $175,000 in luxury retail goods.
She sold the items for cash, cosmetics, and gift cards.
Police raided her home. They found it all:

• Bags of stolen goods,
• Thousands in cash,
• Evidence of a retail crime ring.

But here’s the twist:
No criminal charges.
Just a civil forfeiture claim.

Amy hasn’t gone to court.
She hasn’t even had to stay in the country.
In fact, she might be in Dubai right now, drinking champagne and posting:

“#Blessed #BossBabe 💅💸”

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What kind of justice is this?

In the same week we learned about her case, we also heard:

• About a Vancouver building inspector who lived in a multi-million dollar mansion while pocketing bribes and approving unsafe developments.
• That non-profit CEOs are making $250,000+ while the shelters and food banks they run fall apart.
• That over 16,000 people have died in BC from toxic drug overdoses—and still, we criminalize the sick and poor instead of holding the rich accountable.
• That all over the world—from Mexico City to Europe—people are smashing glass in protest against gentrification.

And here?
We smile politely and wait for change.
But it’s not coming—unless we make it.

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Are you looking south at the U.S. and thinking, “At least we’re not that bad”?

Guess what—we’re on the same path.

The corruption is overflowing.
The cracks are already here.
If we don’t want to become another L.A., Portland, or San Francisco,
then BIG CHANGE is needed now.

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Here’s what I’m asking:

• Call out the double standards.
• Support journalists and advocates exposing this injustice.
• Demand consequences for luxury crime, not just poverty crime.
• Stop protecting those who profit off misery, whether they wear suits or yoga pants.

Because Joe is real.
Amy may be fictional—but she exists under different names, in real homes, in our own city.

And unless we fight back now, they will keep stealing from us—not just clothes,
but homes, futures, and lives.

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✍️ Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
#JusticeForAll #NotJustTheRich #HousingIsAHumanRight #StopTheRot #EndOverdoseCrisis #ExposeCorruption #GentrificationKills #LululemonLoot #TwoTierJustice

How Burglars Might Be Using Delivery Jobs and City Vehicles to Target Our Homes

 Beware the Hidden Threat: How Burglars Might Be Using Delivery Jobs and City Vehicles to Target Our Homes — And How We Can Protect Ourselves

In recent months, Vancouver’s West Side has been targeted by a serial burglar who has broken into at least 16 homes, mostly at night while residents are asleep. Police are actively investigating, but as neighbors, we need to stay alert and protect ourselves — especially because the tactics criminals use today are more sophisticated and sometimes unexpected.

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Why Delivery Workers and City Vehicles Could Be Used as Cover

We all rely on delivery people — whether for food, groceries, or packages — and city workers like parking enforcement officers or meter maids are a common sight in our neighborhoods. But what if some of these people are using their jobs as a cover to scope out homes and gather information for burglars?

Delivery Workers on Bikes or Scooters

• They have easy access to all residential streets and can come and go without suspicion.
• They see inside homes when deliveries are left on porches or when residents answer the door.
• They can observe when people are home or away by tracking delivery times and routines.
• They can spot security weaknesses like unlocked doors, open windows, or cameras that might be vulnerable.

City of Vancouver Vehicles and Staff

• Vehicles like parking enforcement cars or meter maid trucks blend in naturally.
• City workers can roam the neighborhood, often going door to door or circling streets.
• It’s rare for residents to question someone who looks like an official worker.
• Suspicious behavior could go unnoticed if we don’t stay alert.

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How Burglary Rings Often Work

Burglars don’t always act alone. Sometimes, they operate in rings or teams with assigned roles:

• Scouts: They watch homes for days or weeks, noting routines, security systems, and unlocked doors.
• Executors: The skilled burglar who breaks in at the best time — usually at night.
• Lookouts and Getaway Drivers: Others who help by watching for trouble and making a quick escape.

A delivery worker or city staff person could be part of the scouting team, gathering vital information under the guise of legitimate work.

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Common Methods Burglars Use (Old and New)

• Taking advantage of unlocked doors or windows.
• Using simple physical tricks like sliding door lifts.
• Pretending to be delivery or utility workers.
• Watching daily routines and package deliveries.
• Exploiting weaknesses in smart home technology by hacking cameras or alarms.
• Monitoring social media for vacation posts and tech setups.

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How We Can Protect Ourselves and Our Community

1. Lock Everything, Always

Make sure all doors and windows are locked—even when you're home or just stepping out briefly.

2. Be Cautious With Deliveries

• Meet delivery people outside if possible.
• Use delivery lockers or smart drop boxes.
• Avoid posting travel plans or expensive new tech on social media.
• Watch for delivery workers who linger or ask too many questions.

3. Keep An Eye on City Workers and Vehicles

• Take note of city vehicles like parking enforcement cars and meter maid trucks.
• If you see someone acting suspiciously (checking doors, looking inside homes), document license plates and times.
• Report suspicious activity to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) or the City of Vancouver.

4. Install and Maintain Security Systems

• Use visible cameras and motion-sensor lights.
• Change default passwords and keep software updated on smart home devices.
• Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.

5. Share Information and Watch Out for Each Other

• Create or join a neighborhood watch or digital block watch group.
• Share security footage and suspicious sightings with neighbors and police.
• Report all break-ins or attempts—even minor or unsuccessful ones.

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We Can Stop This Together

Burglars depend on secrecy and complacency. By staying informed, alert, and connected, we take away their advantage and protect our homes, families, and community.

If you’ve seen anything unusual—a delivery person acting oddly, a City of Vancouver vehicle lingering too long, or just suspicious behavior—please contact Vancouver Police immediately at 604-717-3321 (non-emergency) or dial 911 if it’s urgent.

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Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant

Together, we can keep Vancouver’s West Side a safe place to live. Share this post with your neighbors and friends. Awareness is our strongest defense.

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Respect Our Wildlife: Harming a Canada Goose Can Cost You Thousands — or Jail Time

 

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Respect Our Wildlife: Harming a Canada Goose Can Cost You Thousands — or Jail Time

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

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Did you know that harming a Canada goose in Canada could cost you up to $300,000 — or even land you in jail?

That’s not a typo. It’s the law.

In light of the heartbreaking incident in Vancouver this week — where a cyclist ran over a baby Canada goose and left the scene — it’s more important than ever to remind everyone, whether you're a newcomer or longtime resident, that Canadian wildlife is protected by law. Especially our iconic Canada geese.

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Canada Geese Are Not Just Birds — They’re Protected Citizens

Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA), Canada geese are federally protected. That means:

• You cannot kill, injure, harass, or trap a Canada goose.
• You cannot disturb or destroy their nests or eggs.
• You must not interfere with their natural behaviors — including while walking or cycling in public areas.

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What Happens If You Break These Laws?

➡ Fines can range from $5,000 to $300,000
➡ You can be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail
➡ For each bird, nest, or egg harmed, additional fines apply:
 • $400 per bird
 • $250 per egg
 • $250 per nest

This isn’t just a slap on the wrist — it’s a federal offense.

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Why This Matters for Everyone — Especially in Urban Areas

Cities like Vancouver are rapidly growing and changing. More people, more bikes, more e-bikes, more speed. But that also means more danger for animals — and more potential legal consequences for humans.

Canada geese and their goslings live among us. They cross bike lanes. They walk through parks. And we must make space for them, just as we do for each other.

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A Special Note to Newcomers

Canada is proud to welcome people from all over the world — but it’s important to know that wildlife protection is taken very seriously here. What might be overlooked or allowed in another country could be a serious crime in Canada.

This isn’t just about the law — it’s about respect, kindness, and coexistence.

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What You Can Do

✅ Slow down when walking, biking, or driving in shared spaces
✅ Educate your children and family about respecting animals
✅ Report incidents to local wildlife authorities
✅ Don’t touch nests or eggs, even if you think you're helping
✅ Share this information in your community

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One Gosling Lost. Many Lives at Risk.

The death of one tiny gosling has broken hearts across Vancouver. But it’s also a wake-up call.

If we can't make space for a baby goose, what hope do we have for each other?

Let’s be better. Let’s be kind. Let’s protect what makes Canada beautiful — for all creatures, great and small.

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Canada FAIL! I am so sorry Aylan.

With the horrific images in the news today we are faced with many emotions.
First you feel like "Don't Look!" and you want to turn. But you must, we must face this.

Our country rejected Aylan and his family and many more. The conservatives have put so many new rules and made things so difficult the people can't make it through the system. Could YOU?

Who could? If a war broke out, who the hell has time for paperwork when all your friends and neighbours and families are being murdered....how would you cope.

If you had no food, shelter, water, ....if you child was scared...and you could offer no comfort because you were scared too...what would you do?

How Can We Help?
Supposedly the governments are supposed to take care of these things but obviously it's not working. Governments are just people. We are the people. What can we do? What can I do...I am not in a position to give money or even advice but I can share this.

I can help you realize that these are people. They are not animals. They are not just something happening in a far off place, we need to help...

#shame #Canada #Conservatives #refugees #Calais #Syria #Britain #Africa #help #crisis #Climate #poverty #CallforChange #DoSomething #StopTheMadness

https://twitter.com/search?q=refugee+crisis&ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^search

His name was Aylan. He was 3 years old. He drowned at sea with his parents and his 5 year old brother, Galip. They fled from violence, oppression and poverty and tried to reach Europe. They symbolise the desperation of thousands. https://www.facebook.com/solidaritywithgreece/photos/a.1681903648696778.1073741828.1681857028701440/1707154162838393/?type=1&theater

This is how he should have been lying tonight. Safe. Warm. Alive.

God bless this poor little cherub, let him sleep with the angels tonight. May his parent somehow survive there grief and loss, not of just one beautiful child but of two, as his brother drowned also.
RIP beautiful boy. You DESERVED SO MUCH MORE!!

I am so sad this world has failed you! Emotions overwelm me as I write this post, it is very difficult to share these disturbing images. I pray that there can be change, enlightenment, empathy and that this madness will end.

NO CAMP!
http://news.sky.com/story/1545899/no-camp-no-camp-migrants-forced-off-train

 
 Calais Migrants- Life in the Jungle- WATCH TO UNDERSTAND
Away from the chaotic scenes on Calais's motorways and ports, the migrant camp known as the 'new Jungle' is growing fast and showing signs of becoming a permanent fixture. The Guardian spent three weeks following the lives of a few of its 3,000 residents, rare in-depth access that reveals a growing human cost of the crisis, and the challenges facing refugees and migrants trying to reach Britain
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2015/jul/27/calais-migrants-jungle-camp-video

Aylan Kurdi: Canadian immigration minister suspends election campaign to investigate why Syrian family's refugee application was refused

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/aylan-kurdi-syrian-boys-family-took-deadly-voyage-after-canada-refused-refugee-application-10483968.html

17 Heartbreaking Cartoons From Artists All Over The World Mourning The Drowned Syrian Boy

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/humanity-washed-ashore?bffbmain&utm_term=4ldqpgp#.rd7BdlQvo

What do you do when the system is against the victim?

Very disturbing. I cringe and curl back watching it. I always remember years ago with the actor who played on the television show, Elizabeth Montgomery- Samantha ,on Bewitched, and she played in a movie where she was raped and her husband doesn't believe her .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Case_of_Rape  This is 1974 people...surely we can change?? See movie below. I haven't watched it yet, again, and not sure I can...

 I was just young when I saw it and it deeply imprinted me. Please watch and let's change the system.



Published on Feb 24, 2015 Written/Directed/Edited by Cynthia Kao Cast (in alphabetical order) Pam Murphy (Officer Mulligan) Mark Schroeder (Tom) Paul Welsh (Officer Sakula) Crew Yesel "Yak" Manrique (titles) Ed Spangler (sound) Allyson Schwarz (gaffer) Rose Arscott (pa) Zoe Andrikidis (pa) Special Thanks Jennie Church-Cooper Donna Thomas Ed Spangler Code Fischer Mary Sasson Bill Posley Honora Talbott Dave Thuene Connie Shin

Hey, Hey Hey Canada, Listen UP!!

Tweet
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+



So this morning I received a very disturbing email. (See below)

Stephen Harper is going to try to push thru a VERY FLAWED BILL AND YOUR PRIVACY IS IN SERIOUS DANGER. Basically it says that if the bill passes that law enforcement will be able to tap our phones and access our online information WITHOUT a search warrant and the will be able to access it by just "SHOWING REASONABLE CAUSE" to the service provider. That "reasonable cause "  wording is way to flexible and you know that it can be abused.

Let's not give our privacy or our rights away!! We have to STOP this now. 

Start re-posting this on your Facebook, Twitter & Google+ and raise awareness.  Make sure you do your part to let EVERYONE know about this terrible bill.

This bill needs to be treated the same as the "Stop Gordo from getting the award" because it's way more important. So Listen UP!! and Speak Up Canadians, because this is some serious sh_t!!!

http://www.elizabethmay.ca/

Omnibus Crime Bill

This is Elizabeth's email below.

In a few weeks, Parliament will resume and Elizabeth May, Canada’s first elected Green MP, will be in the House raising the issues that so many others won’t speak to.
Harper’s Conservatives plan to table an omnibus crime bill that contains some very bad legislation. Three of the more disturbing items lumped in with the omnibus Crime Bill are collectively known as the “Lawful Access” legislation:

• Improving Access to Investigative Tools for Serious Crimes Act (C-50)
• Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act (C-51)
• Investigating and Preventing Criminal Electronic Communications Act (C-52)

The Green Party supports efforts to tackle cyber crime, but is deeply concerned about the erosion of Canadians’ privacy. Currently, government agencies must show probable cause and obtain a court order before tapping your phones, and intercepting your mail and online communications. If this bill is passed, government agencies will be able access your online communications without a court order--they need only tell your service providers that they have a ‘reasonable suspicion’.
In this context, reasonable is a dangerously flexible word that threatens your right to privacy. A reasonable government would give each section of the crime bill the attention that it deserves, encouraging debate and a clarification of possible, unforeseen consequences. Omnibus bills are known to make profound changes to unrelated aspects of administration and policy, especially because Parliament can’t properly study them.


With a majority government, knowing that it can pass every piece of legislation that it creates, the Conservatve government shows a disturbing contempt for Canadians by continuing the practice of linking highly dubious laws to those upon which we can all agree.
Elizabeth forced the Conservatives to take the Mega-Trials section of the omnibus bill to committee and we were able to help fix serious flaws in that section. Now she needs your help in reminding the Conservatives that Canadians care deeply about our justice system and right to privacy. This bill should be divided into logical segments and debated with the attention and seriousness that Canadian voters deserve from their MPs. 

Contact your local MP the Justice Minister and the Prime Minister’s office