If you run a retail store in Saint John, you likely face a growing wave of theft. However, official police statistics tell a different story. The Retail Council of Canada recently visited the city to meet with local police and the provincial public safety minister. They uncovered a massive gap between the crimes happening in your local stores and the crimes actually reported to authorities.
According to a recent report from CBC News, business owners feel completely frustrated with the justice system. This frustration leads many to stop calling the police altogether.
The Disconnect Between Statistics and Reality
Saint John Police Staff Sgt. Shawna Fowler states that property crime, including retail theft, dropped 24 percent compared to last year. Local business owners strongly disagree with this number.
Jason Steeves owns Steeves Pharmasave in Saint John. He deals with theft on a regular basis. The problem forced him to put a lock on the public washroom. Shoplifters previously used the space to change outfits or hide stolen merchandise.
“I have been here 13 years and probably the worst I have ever seen was the last two years,” Steeves said.
Thieves operate quickly. Steeves recalls one person walking out the door with an entire case of chocolates tucked under his arm. In another instance, staff found stolen ball caps listed for sale on social media shortly after they went missing from the store. To combat the issue, Steeves installed a doorbell to alert staff whenever someone enters the building.
Frustration with the Reporting Process
Jim Cormier serves as the director of government relations for the Retail Council of Canada. He points out that retailers lack awareness regarding available police resources. Furthermore, business owners feel the reporting process wastes their time.
“We know that there are a huge number of retailers that just do not bother reporting the retail crimes that go on in their stores anymore,” Cormier said. “They are just so frustrated with the process.”
Retailers complain that police officers take days to respond to a call. When officers finally arrive, business owners face a large amount of paperwork with no guarantee of a conviction.
Staff Sgt. Fowler explains that police must follow strict criteria to hold a suspect for court. Typically, an individual needs a record of committing the same theft related offense multiple times before facing serious consequences. Fowler advises store owners to watch for customers who enter the store multiple times to scope things out.
Pushing for Solutions and Better Data
The Retail Council of Canada wants the provincial government to fund municipal police officers specifically for retail areas. This strategy already operates successfully in parts of Nova Scotia and Manitoba.
Cormier stresses that retailers must report every theft. Police departments rely on statistics to secure funding and deploy officers.
“Police are driven by statistics, and they are short staffed, so if you do not give them the statistics then it is hard for them to start actioning certain initiatives,” Cormier said.
The council plans to continue working with the Saint John Police and the public safety minister to find lasting solutions for local businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are retail theft statistics dropping in Saint John?
Official statistics show a 24 percent drop in property crime because many retailers stopped reporting thefts. Business owners feel frustrated by slow police response times and heavy paperwork.
What are local stores doing to prevent theft?
Store owners implement various security measures. Some lock their public washrooms to prevent thieves from hiding merchandise. Others install doorbells to alert staff when new customers enter the building.
Why do police release shoplifters so quickly?
The justice system requires suspects to meet specific criteria before police can hold them for court. Usually, a suspect must have a documented history of repeat theft offenses.
How can retailers help fix the problem?
The Retail Council of Canada urges all business owners to report every crime. Police departments need accurate statistics to justify new initiatives and secure additional resources.
The justice system is clearly broken….we have laws, no justice. A serious overhaul is needed desperately. Shoplifting hurts everyone!
Opd country stores had all valueable product behind counters, underglass or in a locked store room for a reason! Retail merketing giving customers direct access to product is no longer viable, secure the items that get stolen and hire a sales person to facilitate the sale and provide security of products!
Remember years ago when at a liquor store; you told the clerk what you wanted and they would bring it to the counter. Consumers Distributing made a business of bringing your order to the front counter. Now, so many items are under lock n’ key, you need to find someone to open the display case and that is a real chore in some stores.
Laws are not keeping up with the changes in our society. We need all thefts reported – only if the property owner is prepared to lay charges. Then, police allowed to jail a person for up to 48 hours for theft. If found guilty, the 48 hours could be time served unless they are a repeat offender. This will require additional police until attitudes change. Right now, there is no deterrent – just like stealing gas. Police won’t even investigate. Again, owners must be willing to lay charges. Some stores have hired their own security – an expensive proposition for stores struggling to stay open.