08-05-2025
Manitoba retailers see ‘turning point' in fight against shoplifting
Shoplifting numbers have shot up in Winnipeg, but retailers are encouraged things are getting better.
While the Winnipeg Police Service annual statistical report shows incidents of shoplifting jumped to 8,530 last year from 6,047 in 2023 — a 41.1 per cent change — John Graham, the Retail Council of Canada's government relations director for the Prairies, said there's a reason for that.
'We believe it is a reflection of higher reporting rates by some retailers after seeing positive actions by police,' Graham said Wednesday.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES John Graham, the Retail Council of Canada's government relations director for the Prairies, says retailers are now more likely to report shoplifting incidents.
With other types of crime down, including violent and other types of property crime, Graham said, 'we are seeing encouraging details.
'We're not out of the woods, but it is a turning point we are seeing.'
As a result, Graham said, an enforcement campaign, initiated more than a year ago to focus on retail thefts and violence, should continue.
As part of the campaign, police encourage retailers to report all thefts so officers can identify where the problem areas in the city are, so resources can be allocated there. At a news conference announcing the crime stats Wednesday, police said the campaign may not be permanent and could be reduced if crime levels drop.
'There's still an unacceptable level, in retail stores, of people undeterred by the consequences, but, overall, we think there is a growing lowering of crime,' Graham said. 'We are encouraged… the momentum we have seen is because of a better coordinated response. What we are doing is working and we need to continue it.
'Now is not the time to take the foot off the pedal.'
Munther Zeid, co-owner of the Food Fare grocery chain, said his staff has been reporting all shoplifting incidents.
'We've seen a drastic drop in bulk quantity thefts of 10 or 20 or 30 items,' Zeid said. 'But we still have people filling up their baskets and walking out.
MIKE SUDOMA / FREE PRESS FILES FoodFare owner Munther Zeid says "bulk" shoplifting has dropped drastically.
'Shoplifting is down, but not as down as we would like… And where meat and cheese were bulk items taken, because they could easily be sold by them, it's now mostly the other ones who take it to use it themselves — that shoplifting continues.'
Kate Fenske, CEO of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, said safety remains a concern.
In the downtown area, property crime dropped 13.2 per cent from 2023 to 2024, while violent crime went down 4.7 per cent.
'Many downtown businesses are still dealing with vandalism, theft and erratic behaviour,' Fenske said in a statement. 'As the weather warms up, and we head into a busy season of events downtown, it's critical to increase visible presence and add more eyes and ears on the streets.'
Fenske said the BIZ is asking the provincial and civic governments to fund the Downtown Safety Action Plan this spring and summer 'to help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who wants to experience downtown.'
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Kate Fenske, CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, says safety is still a key concern.
Last summer, the province, mayor's office, and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ spent $435,000 to increase summer patrols by the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, allowing them to work overtime and conduct more than 700 wellness checks. Seven opioid poisonings were reversed in June alone.
Kate Kehler, the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg's executive director, said overall the crime report 'is good news,' but questions remain.
'I can see why downtown businesses are applauding this approach, but we see a rise in crime elsewhere across the city, so if police are focusing on one area, then does crime go elsewhere?' Kehler said.
She said the restorative justice approach used by community-based organizations has helped reduce property crime.
'I know some people still think that is a soft-on-crime approach, but it is proven to be more effective in reducing crime.
'We still want to see far more investments into community and fighting poverty.'
Kevin Rollason
Reporter
Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press . He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press . He has served as the Free Press's city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.
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