‘Nothing is being done’: Advocacy group calls for stricter measures as retail theft continues

The Retail Council of Canada is urging the federal government to crack down on stealing, at a time when retail theft is accounting for more than $9 billion in losses each year. (Magda Ehlers/Pexels)

At Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia, a Halifax-based store, owner Kurt Bulger said shoplifting is sometimes part of his daily business routine.

“This has been ongoing for the 42 years that I have been here,” said Bulger, who added that theft can amount to roughly one per cent of all revenues. “In 2020 and 2021, it spiked sharply.”

The Retail Council of Canada is urging the federal government to crack down on stealing, at a time when retail theft is accounting for more than $9 billion in losses each year.

“Our members basically feel that nothing is being done,” said Retail Council of Canada spokesperson Jim Cormier.

While these crimes may impact only a small percentage of the overall number of people entering Canadian businesses, Cormier says any amount of theft is too much, and the results are destructive for the entire retail industry.

“We need help with that small percentage, so it doesn’t ruin the shopping experience for everybody else,” said Cormier.

The Retail Council of Canada claims that when a retail crime takes place and someone gets arrested, criminal cases may be dropped and offenders are quickly let go.

Bulger claims to have only seen two people be prosecuted for shoplifting in 42 years.

“All the other times, you get your stuff back, and police say, ‘no harm no crime,’ ” said Bulger.

The Retail Council of Canada is also calling on the federal government and law enforcement agencies to address what that said are police shortages, an overburdened justice system, and underfunded mental health and addiction services.

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced new measures to tackle organized retail crime, which include implementing harsher penalties and enhanced law enforcement across the country.

“It’s a vicious circle that our members are caught in,” said Cormier, adding that the federal government needs to lead the way with stricter penalties to protect businesses and customers in Canada.