What some Winnipeg businesses are doing to shut out criminals

CTV’s Jeff Keele has more on why more businesses are switching to pull down shutters to enhance security.

More Winnipeg businesses may be turning to security shutters to protect their windows and doors.

Harold Erickson rents out a building in front of his McPhillips Street automotive shop. One of the front windows was broken last summer, and then another.

“Each one runs about $2,500, so after $5,000 worth of windows, I decided to put shutters on,” Erickson said.

The aluminum security shutters can protect glass, prevent break-ins, and deter criminals. For a long time, Erickson said he resisted the temptation to put the shutters on his building.

“I didn’t like the look. To me, it was giving in,” he said.

In the end, Erickson said he felt he had no choice and covered all of the building’s windows with the security devices.

“I think it’s a terrible sign of the times, to be truthful—along with the 7-Elevens closing because they can’t stop the theft. Totally atrocious,” he said.

A local company that installs the shutters says calls have been on the rise.

Terry Galatas owns Winnipeg Shutters. He says they install them for businesses ranging from retail stores to banks — and that homeowners are also part of their customer base.

The company also makes signs and installs awnings but five years ago decided to launch a security shutter division.

“We saw the demand, and awnings—the parts are fairly similar—so it was an easy conversion for us to go to shutters,” he said.

Galatas says demand has grown every year, with shop owners calling weekly after break-ins.

“I would say they look into it, and maybe it’s not the first time they do it, but when they get broken into a second time, now they’re really thinking, ‘I need to get security,’” he said.

While shutters can prevent damage and break-ins, they come at an added cost. The devices are not covered under the province’s security rebate program, which offered businesses up to $2,500 back for eligible upgrades.

“The shutters definitely work, so I don’t know why they’re not part of it,” Erickson said.

In a statement, a provincial spokesperson said that given the program’s parameters and available funding, a list of eligible security equipment and enhancements was established.