The Decibel Canadian retail’s security crackdown on violent theft
Jan 24, 2025
In this installment, Susan Krashinsky Robertson, a retailing reporter from the Globe, dives into the alarming rise of organized retail theft in Canada. She discusses the shift from petty theft to violent crime and the serious toll it's taking on businesses. With police and retailers struggling to keep up, Susan highlights the complexities of public sentiment towards theft, especially in light of economic challenges. From online marketplaces fueling this issue to the risks facing retail workers, it's a thought-provoking exploration of a pressing social concern.
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Retail Theft's Impact
- Retail theft in Canada is a growing problem, costing $9.1 billion annually.
- This represents a significant portion of overall retail sales and has increased from $5 billion in 2018.
Types of Retail Theft
- Retail theft includes various forms, from minor shoplifting to large-scale organized operations.
- Retailers are most concerned about the rise in organized thefts, often involving groups and sometimes connected to organized crime.
Organized Theft Tactics
- Organized thefts involve groups sweeping products off shelves or using bags lined with foil to evade sensors.
- These thieves are often motivated and sometimes resort to violence, a growing concern for retailers.