Shoplifting has surged to an alarming level across Canada, industry insiders say, with inflation and labour shortages cited as major factors behind the increase.
The uptick has triggered concern among Canadian grocers even as the rise in food prices helps pad their bottom lines. Grocery prices were up 11 per cent year-over-year in October and they're not expected to ease any time soon. The total cost of groceries for a family of four is expected to be $1,065 more than it was this year, according to the most recent edition of Canada's Food Price Report.
Charlebois said inflation and grocery theft are affecting one another, meaning when prices go up, shoplifting surges, and to offset the loss, businesses have no other option but to further increase the prices. "Retail crime, including theft and arson, is sadly higher than it historically has been at Walmart Canada and across the entire retail industry," she said.Fefer said the company is implementing measures to prevent and reduce theft in order to keep prices low and keep its employees and customers safe.
"There is great concern among Canadian businesses right now about crime, and crime in Canadian workplaces," he said. "Shoplifting is definitely being felt more, especially as we've come out of lockdown and restrictions." "Fewer people on the floor ... makes shoplifters feel a little less intimidated to go in and take something," he said, adding that employees and customers alike feel more "intimidated and nervous" walking into the stores.
She pointed to the economic downturn, a growing resale market for stolen goods and an increase in organized crime as other factors behind the surge.
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