Amber Doubleday actively interacts with customers visiting her toy store located on Brandon’s 18th Street. She engages in conversations with regular patrons and remains vigilant to deter potential shoplifters. Concerns about theft are shared among various business owners in Brandon, according to the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. They highlight the economic and safety risks posed by theft in Manitoba’s second-largest city, emphasizing it as a major issue ahead of the upcoming municipal election.
Protecting the merchandise in her store is a top priority for Doubleday as it directly impacts her family’s finances. She expressed frustration over a recent incident where a thief stole $800 worth of Lego from her store, which was never recovered. The chamber reported a 40% increase in retail theft over the past year, sourced from information provided by Brandon police.
Emelio Brown, the chamber’s president, emphasized the escalating audacity of thefts affecting businesses of all sizes. He stressed the importance of taking action to safeguard business owners’ livelihoods and attract new businesses to the city. While some measures have been implemented, including a previous police operation resulting in multiple arrests and recovered stolen goods, Brown advocates for a more extensive crackdown on theft.
Brown supports a strategy similar to Winnipeg’s retail crime approach, emphasizing increased police presence to combat theft effectively. He underscored the necessity of collaboration between provincial and municipal authorities to address the issue comprehensively.
Brandon police Chief Tyler Bates proposed launching an online reporting system for local businesses and assigning four dedicated officers to tackle retail crime. Bates highlighted the risks faced by staff when encountering thieves and the challenge of dealing with repeat offenders out on bail. He emphasized the importance of transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach in combating theft.
Bridget Shaw, owner of Lady of the Lake shop and café, shared concerns about shoplifters and the limited recourse available to businesses in addressing theft. She advocated for stronger support to empower businesses to combat theft effectively and suggested broader economic solutions, such as boosting tourism to enhance local foot traffic and revenue.
In conclusion, the community in Brandon is uniting to address the growing problem of retail theft, with business owners, law enforcement, and local authorities seeking collaborative solutions to ensure a safer and more prosperous environment for all stakeholders.