Retailers trying to stop thefts while welcoming customers: council

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Retailers in New Brunswick and across Canada are trying to find ways to reduce thefts while at the same time providing a welcoming environment for customers, a spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada said Monday.

Many retailers use surveillance cameras and one of the latest forms of crime deterrent is security gates at the entrance of national chain stores. The gates prevent people from going out through the in door. They are becoming more common in grocery stores, department stores and hardware stores.

“Retailers are looking at all kinds of different options to curb theft, especially organized theft, but do it in such a way that they can still create a welcoming retail experience for the vast majority of well-minded citizens who come into their stores and just want to go shopping,” said Jim Cormier, spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada in Atlantic Canada.

Cormier said theft and shoplifting by individuals is nothing new, but retailers have been stung by “organized retail crime” which often includes people who travel across municipalities and provinces, loading up their vehicles with stolen merchandise and often selling it through online platforms.

Statistics Canada reported last July that shoplifting of goods valued at $5,000 and under had increased by 31 per cent in 2022. Shoplifting is listed under the “Non-violent crime severity index,” which rose four per cent in 2022 but was six per cent lower than in 2019. Statistics Canada said other property crimes rose in 2022, including motor vehicle theft (24 per cent), breaking and entering (four per cent and general fraud (seven per cent).

Cormier wouldn’t comment on security measures employed by specific retailers, but said the retail council is working with provincial governments and police agencies across the country to find solutions and educate the public and members on the severity of the problem.

“Retail crime is not a victimless crime,” said Cormier. The costs of losses through theft eventually show up in higher prices for goods, but crime can also put employees in danger of being hurt or traumatized.

“People should be able to go to work and not worry about increases in violent crime and shoplifting,” Cormier said. “We’re not talking about a kid that walks into a store and steals some candy. There are people who just walk in and brazenly look at you, pick up product and walk out with the ‘what are you going to do about it’ mentality.”

Cormier said the situation worsened during the pandemic when many people were out of work, and continues during a period of high inflation when some people were stealing to feed their families. He said that has evolved into brazen thieves who simply walk into stores, take what they want and leave. Sometimes, the crimes come with violence. In the United States, he said, there are “smash and grab” robbers who will break display cases to take jewelry, electronics and anything else they can sell.

“This is an issue that is increasing and steps need to be taken,” Cormier said. The Retail Council of Canada is working with police and government agencies. In Nova Scotia, the council is organizing meetings to discuss more ways to address the issue. Similar meetings are planned for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

“The New Brunswick RCMP supports any individual or organization who wishes to use technology or other means to better secure their property or business, to enhance public safety, and/or to help prevent or deter crime,” said Cpl. Hans Ouellette, media relations officer for the RCMP. “As always, the public plays an important role in helping to reduce, prevent, and solve crime. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, suspicious or illegal activity is asked to contact their local police.”