Achi news desk-
Thefts are on the rise in Montreal with new data from the police (SPVM) showing it has been a growing problem over the past five years.
There’s been a big jump in shoplifting and pickpocketing, and according to the Quebec Retail Council, it’s not just that people are stealing more, it’s also that what they’re taking is more valuable.
“At least 50 percent, it’s up,” said Marche Esposito assistant manager Norman Shannon.
Shannon’s NDG grocery store requires customers to leave their bags at the front of the store so shoppers don’t slip anything in, but the thefts are often swipes and swipes.
“And a lot of times when it’s wine, they come three times to try to get,” Shannon said. “Then they just go in, and they come out quickly. The meat too.”
According to SPVM data, there were about 7,200 thefts in 2022, with this number jumping to 7,900 last year (an increase of about 9 percent).
According to Statistics Canada, the rate of shoplifting increased by 24% between 2021 and 2022.
“Sometimes they come even twice a day if you don’t catch them,” Shannon said.
The Quebec Retail Council (CQCD) said nearly $2 billion worth of goods are stolen each year, and more often, thieves target high-priced items like computers and jewelry.
“The number of shoplifting incidents with a market value of more than $5,000 — $5,000 as described by the owner — is increasing,” said CQCD CEO Damian Sills.
Montreal police said inflation played a role.
“The rising cost of living and financial uncertainty may have encouraged some people to commit theft,” the SPVM said.
The CQCD agrees, noting that mortgage rates and the cost of living are high.
“Right now, everything, it’s expensive,” Seals said.
The Retail Council stated that beyond the cost of goods, robbers can be aggressive, which may leave employees shocked or injured; Situations that businesses often don’t have the tools to help with.
“It’s quite dangerous that you never know who they are, who you’re dealing with,” Shannon said.
It’s a daily risk that retailers say is growing.
