Winnipeg Police Take Tougher Action Against Shoplifting

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is committed to stopping shoplifting, as it continues to be a growing problem in the city.

“There’s a lot of stealing going on,” Const. Dale McDonald said in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Tuesday.

“The concern is that goods will be stolen if there is a threat of violence.”

According to McDonald, companies are grateful that officers are committed to reducing crime.

To prevent theft in the store, she advises installing good lighting, ensuring there is sufficient staff on hand during busy hours and greeting customers as they enter the store.

“If something happens in the store, they need to make sure they keep enough distance or even have a table or counter between them and the person who could be causing a nuisance in the store,” McDonald said.

McDonald advised a customer who was in the store at the time of the theft not to intervene and to go to a safe place and call police.

“Get those police reports so we can get that data and know where the hot spots are,” she said.

“So we know what’s happening in those areas. That information is important to us.”

McDonald explained that many of these stolen goods are sold online and therefore business owners need to let police know exactly what has been stolen.

She added that the profits from these sales are used to purchase drugs or weapons.

“If something happens, say so,” McDonald said.

“If there’s something going on with a weapon, you know it’s going to be a 911 call. If an item is taken without force… go to our online reporting system and make sure we get that information.”

Earlier this month, CTV News Winnipeg reported that the Manitoba government will extend the Winnipeg Police Service’s Violent Crime and Retail Theft Initiative into the summer.

– With files from CTV’s Ainsley McPhail.