A spike in retail theft, in what the City of Vancouver says is led by organized crime and repeat offenders, has prompted the launch a retail security task force.

Vancouver council passed a motion creating the initiative aimed at curbing the thefts and improving safety for businesses and their employees.

Mayor Ken Sim says in a statement that retail theft is hurting communities across the city, and the task force is aimed at tackling the situation.

The statement says there were almost 7,700 shoplifting incidents in the city last year, an 11.7 per cent increase from the year before.

The task force will bring together Vancouver police, business improvement associations, retailers, legal experts, social service providers and the provincial government to look at the root causes of the thefts.

It says the group will study effective models elsewhere over the next six months and deliver a report to council with recommendations.

“This isn’t just about stolen goods. It’s about protecting workers, standing up for local businesses, and making sure the people who keep our neighbourhoods thriving feel safe and supported,” Sim says in the statement.