'Theft is on everyone’s mind:' Retail Council of Canada says shoplifting is becoming more brazen
Shoplifting and retail theft have become a $5 billion annual problem and the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is concerned about thefts becoming more brazen and violent with weapons being used.
While some may think shoplifting is a petty crime that will get the offender a slap on the wrist, retailers are concerned about losing money and are cracking down on theft, meaning if you're caught you could have a criminal record that will impact your future.
“Theft is on everyone’s mind, including general shoplifting,” Rui Rodrigues, RCC’s executive advisor of loss prevention and risk management, said.
RCC said retail theft is no longer about someone putting one item in their pocket, but has expanded to organized crime and group theft where several people will enter a store to steal multiple items at the same time.
“It’s where you have multiple people, three, four or five going into a store and stealing in bulk even taking out shopping carts full of merchandise," Rodrigues explained.
Whether it’s inflation or the high cost of living, there has been an increase in shoplifting, but business consultant Sam Rad, who is a former president of the Paralegal Society of Canada, is warning people, even those who may be desperate, not to do it.
If you’re caught shoplifting in Ontario, if the value of the merchandise is less than $5,000 you could face a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to six months in jail. If the merchandise is more than $5,000 you could face fines of up to $25,000 and or/up to 10 years in jail.
In most cases, an offender does not receive anywhere near the maximum penalties, but what they will end up with if convicted is a criminal record.
"Once convicted of shoplifting they will have to seek a pardon, you could be inadmissible to the United States and you could potentially hinder your employment," said Rad, who added, “Many companies are concerned about theft and may find a person undesirable to hire if they have been convicted of stealing.”
While shoplifting has always been a problem for retailers, it’s now a growing concern over how brazen the stealing has become as theft happens on a daily basis at many stores and more retailers want to prosecute those responsible.
Theft is also a major problem at Ontario’s LCBO. A spokesperson for the LCBO told CTV News Toronto: “We do not share theft details as it puts the effectiveness of our measures and the safety of our employees at risk.”
While the LCBO didn’t share theft figures, Peel Regional Police said last year in just Mississauga there were 2,094 cases of shoplifting at LCBO stores and in Brampton there were 1,473 thefts, totalling 3,567.
Many retailers are faced with increasing security while at the same time trying to make sure shoppers have a positive retail experience.
Rad’s message to anyone considering shoplifting: Don't do it.
"Don't take the risk, it is not worth it, and the spending of money on legal fees and going through the criminal justice system and the public embarrassment and then the embarrassment among family members. It’s just not worth it,” said Rad.
RCC said businesses lose 1.8 per cent of their profits every year to shoplifting and retail theft and when that happens higher costs are then passed on to everyone else.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7028745.1725663146!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Pakistani citizen arrested in Canada, charged with plotting terrorist attack in New York
A Pakistani citizen who resided in Canada has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack at a Jewish centre in New York City.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Woman who was denied a liver transplant, after review highlighted alcohol use, has died
Questions are being raised about the case of a 36-year-old Ontario woman who died of liver failure after she was rejected for a life-saving liver transplant after a medical review highlighted her prior alcohol use.
Montreal man given $664 fine for tying dog to parking meter while grabbing a croissant
A Montreal man who tied his dog to a parking meter while he entered a bakery is now facing a hefty fine for breaking a law he had no idea existed.
Canada-wide warrant issued for woman in fatal Toronto shooting
A 36-year-old woman is wanted for first-degree murder following a shooting near an after-hours club in Toronto earlier this month.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'
Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.
Selena Gomez is a billionaire
Selena Gomez can now add becoming a billionaire to her long list of achievements.
Teen girl charged with attempted murder after student set on fire at Saskatoon high school
A 14-year-old girl faces an attempted murder charge after a 15-year-old girl was doused in a flammable substance and set on fire at a Saskatoon high school Thursday.
Victim of Vancouver stranger attacks had surgery to reattach severed hand: police
The surviving victim of a pair of stranger attacks in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday has undergone surgery to reattach his hand after it was severed in the assault, according to police.