Posthaste: Shoplifting rises on inflation, but some anti-theft measures a step too far for Canadians: poll
Retailers are implementing a variety of new anti-theft measures to combat a rise in shoplifting by Canadians, but consumers have mixed feelings about the different tactics being employed, a new survey suggests.
Only 17 per cent of the 1,500 Canadians surveyed by national pollster Leger Marketing Inc. said they would be OK with a requirement to scan their identification to buy something, but 88 per cent were onside when it comes to being watched by security cameras while they shop.
The survey, conducted Aug. 4 to 6, comes amid rising discomfort over anti-theft measures at Canadian retailers — including grocery carts with wheels that lock, triggering an alarm or a requirement to leave backpacks with security before entering a store — that have some shoppers complaining they are being treated like criminals.
But sector players counter that shoplifting has become a serious problem.
Organizations ranging from the Retail Council of Canada to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to large companies such as Loblaw Cos. Ltd., say theft has risen over the last year in part due to inflation, resulting in the need for stronger security measures.
“Theft has increased across all categories including food, apparel and footwear merchandise,” said Michelle Wasylyshen, a national spokeswoman for the Retail Council of Canada, in an email. “Escalating inflation, a growing re-sale market for stolen goods and an increase of organized crime are some of the contributors.”
The council doesn’t have a current dollar value for retail theft “since much of it goes unreported,” Wasylyshen said, “but we know it’s increasing.”
Criminal violations for non-automotive theft under $5,000 per 100,000 population rose 14.4 per cent in 2022
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