A retail chain in western Canada, with 79 stores including 52 in B.C., is demanding action and justice in response to what they describe as an “ongoing tsunami of crime”. This comes after a recent VPD anti-shoplifting blitz revealed a low charge rate. Retail violence has reportedly increased by 500 percent over the past four years, prompting London Drugs’ loss prevention general manager to call for increased security measures. The pharmacy chain is now spending over $1.5 million more on security in its Vancouver stores compared to two years ago.
Tony Hunt, the loss prevention general manager, stated that they are witnessing a significant increase in random acts of violence, threats, racism, and abuse towards customers and staff. To tackle these crimes, the chain had eight security staff on shift at its busy location on Granville at Georgia streets in downtown Vancouver.
London Drugs was one of 28 retailers that participated in a Vancouver police shoplifting crackdown in February and March. However, of the 278 charges recommended to Crown counsel, only 44 percent were approved. This disappointing statistic has left Hunt feeling frustrated, as so much effort goes into building solid cases that are not always acted upon by the courts.
The Crown counsel’s charge approval standard involves a two-part test: determining the likelihood of conviction and whether the prosecution is in the public interest. Hunt believes that there is a disconnect between the perception of public interest held by the Crown counsel and the concerns of London Drugs’ customers and employees.
During the undercover operation from February 18th to March 10th, the police arrested 217 individuals, with 47 of them being repeat offenders. However, this crackdown did not result in the majority of charges being approved.
Hunt stresses the importance of creating an environment where people can go to work without fearing acts of random violence. He emphasizes that customers and employees deserve a system of justice that takes action against individuals stuck in cycles of crime.
Despite these concerns, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma declined an interview request. Ministry staff explained that the Attorney General operates independently of the courts, and the BC Prosecution Service makes prosecutorial decisions independently of the police and government.
Hunt argues that if the Attorney General were subject to daily disruptions and acts of terror in their office, even if on a small scale, they would take action. He calls for leadership to prioritize the safety of individuals in the community.
The retail chain’s demand for action and justice highlights the urgent need to address the increasing wave of crime affecting businesses and individuals in western Canada. With a rise in retail violence and a low charge rate, it is crucial for authorities to review and improve the current justice system to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.