The Decibel Canadian retail’s security crackdown on violent theft
Jan 24, 2025
In this installment, Susan Krashinsky Robertson, a retailing reporter from the Globe, dives into the alarming rise of organized retail theft in Canada. She discusses the shift from petty theft to violent crime and the serious toll it's taking on businesses. With police and retailers struggling to keep up, Susan highlights the complexities of public sentiment towards theft, especially in light of economic challenges. From online marketplaces fueling this issue to the risks facing retail workers, it's a thought-provoking exploration of a pressing social concern.
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Violence in Retail Theft
- Violence against retail workers is increasing, with incidents like thieves shoving staff to steal from locked perfume cases.
- This rise in violence is a major concern for retailers across North America.
Stolen Goods Variety
- Targeted goods range from electronics and perfume to everyday items like cheese, butter, and meat.
- This broad range of stolen products indicates a shift from solely high-value items.
Reselling Stolen Goods
- Stolen goods are often stored in warehouses and resold online through platforms like Amazon and Facebook Marketplace.
- Project Kingfisher, a 2022 investigation, traced $2 million in stolen goods to one organized group using this method.