By Angela Brown

Local businesses concerned about increase in shoplifting

Jun 23, 2017 | 10:00 AM

Local businesses in North Battleford are putting their heads together to work out a strategy to deal with a problem of shoplifting in the area.

The issue came up at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce meeting on June 20.

“The mall tenants are struggling. We’re losing business,” said chamber board director Janice Sander, who brought the issue forward.

Chamber president Warren Williams pointed out the problem of shoplifting also ties into the work of the SAGE (Safety, Acceptance, Guidance, and Empowerment) group in the city to make the community safer and reduce crime.

He said chamber members are planning a focus group to discuss the shoplifting issue specifically.

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Some local establishments challenged by shoplifters include Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, and businesses at the Frontier Mall, including Shoppers Drug Mart and Warehouse One for example “are experiencing great loss due to shoplifting,” Williams said.

“Some of the concerns I’ve heard are that if you do catch someone shoplifting “there is very little that anybody can do,” he said. “They could process it that morning and they are back at it that afternoon.”

“I don’t think the focus group has any fantasy that they will be able to stop some of the social issues surrounding [shoplifting.] But they are meeting to collaborate and work together to share information about strategies, and how to deal with the problem,” said Williams.

He added shoplifting is an ongoing problem.

Even though stores often have security and video surveillance in an attempt to thwart or catch thieves, shoplifting continues.

“It’s a huge problem here,” said Williams.

Williams said it’s critical for local businesses’ success to try to curb store thefts.

“That comes right off businesses’ bottom line,” he said. “That impacts their ability to pay their staff more money; it impacts their ability to keep their prices competitive, and to support community initiatives.”

Insurance costs also go up due to losses from shoplifting.

“You say those are normal business costs, but the numbers are staggering,” added the president.

Williams said business losses from shoplifters also impacts the community in addition to the businesses affected.

Canadian Tire is a huge community supporter,” he said. “They support community ventures big time.”

The loss also impacts the community directly.

Williams said, as an example, due to store thefts, retailers such as Canadian Tire have less money to put into the community – whether that is the Jumpstart program, support for hockey and baseball teams, and even for support to the Saskatchewan Winter Games. 

Staff morale is also impacted.

Businesses’ losses from shoplifting may also have an effect on the bottom line, where consumers are concerned as well.

“You got to think it’s got to impact prices too,” said Williams. “Pricing is a competitive market. It’s got to impact prices obviously.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW