7-Elevens in Winnipeg losing $500 daily to theft, says police board chair

CTV’s Michelle Gerwing has more details on how much money 7-Eleven is losing every day in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg convenience stores are no strangers to shoplifting, but now it’s costing one major business its bottom line.

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven told the city’s police board its stores are losing hundreds of dollars a day.

“It’s averaging about $500 a day in theft,” police board chair Markus Chambers told CTV News. He said he found out in a meeting with 7-Eleven executives late last week.

In August, two city councillors confirmed 7-Eleven was considering closing 10 Winnipeg locations. So far, at least six have shut down.

Chambers couldn’t say whether any other locations will close their doors, however, he said the company recognizes the loss in revenue isn’t sustainable.

In the interim chief’s report to the police board, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 28, 2024, officers engaged with 187 retailers, arrested 200 individuals, and recovered more than $56,000 in stolen property.

Chambers credited the extension of the province’s retail theft initiative over the holiday season to help curb the crime. However, he said the challenge now is to collaborate with businesses and normalize the retail crime prevention initiative.

“We are not going to tolerate people ripping off stores and communities are not safe because of all of this activity,” he said.