In Cambridge, the incidence of shoplifting has surged due to high living costs and inflation, resulting in losses of more than $250,000 per year for some stores.
Across Canada, there is an unprecedented increase in theft that is affecting businesses and endangering employees. Some retailers in areas with high crime rates are forced to allocate funds for security measures, while others have to rely on their own resources.
Recently CambridgeToday reporter Joe McGintry went behind the scenes with Scott Sexsmith to talk about one local grocer and what his business has endured.
Video summary
The host of Behind the Scenes, Scott Sexsmith discusses the shoplifting issue in Cambridge with CambridgeToday reporter Joe McGinty. Shoplifting in Cambridge, Ontario is on the rise, with some retailers reporting losses of over $250,000 annually. Local businesses, including Food Basics, are being forced to take matters into their own hands, training staff on how to identify and handle suspected shoplifters. This is putting staff at risk, as they are not trained security personnel and could potentially be in confrontational situations.
The rise in theft is impacting several businesses in the Cambridge area, with smaller, lower-end grocers being hit especially hard. With limited budgets, these businesses cannot afford to hire security guards, leaving staff to handle potential theft on their own. While the police are working with local businesses to advocate for better surveillance cameras and training, the importance of reporting theft to the police cannot be overstated.
Overall, this is a concerning issue that affects not only the profitability of businesses, but also the safety of staff. While there are steps being taken to address the issue, including better surveillance and training, reporting theft to the police remains a crucial step in preventing and addressing the problem.
