Rise in Shoplifting

The Retail Council of Canada has reported a 300 per cent increase in shoplifting since the pandemic, and points to economic pressures, the growth of online resale markets for stolen goods and a rise in organized crime activities. The most popular items stolen include meat, cheese, baby formula, clothing and alcohol. Brad Park owns and operates the Foodland in Haliburton. He says theft is a near daily occurrence and knows the cost of living, addiction and other societal pressures are many of the reasons for the rise in shoplifting. CanoeFM spoke with both Park and PC Joel Imbeau from the Haliburton Highlands OPP to discuss what they're seeing in the region and what the penalties are.