Shoplifting Surges Across Canada as Cost of Living Crisis Worsens
Canada's small businesses are facing a dramatic increase in criminal activity as the cost of living continues to climb, with shoplifting incidents reaching alarming new levels according to multiple recent reports.
Survey Reveals Widespread Crime Concerns
A new survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) paints a concerning picture of the current retail environment. The data shows that only two percent of small business owners report crime decreasing in their communities over the past year. In stark contrast, fifty percent indicate that criminal activity has actually increased during this same period.
"Owners should not be spending more time and money managing theft, vandalism and safety risks than running their business," emphasized Kayode Southwood, CFIB senior policy analyst, in an official release. "Some business owners have told us they've spent thousands of dollars on installing security cameras or replacing smashed windows. Some have even said they'd rather take the pandemic over the crime they're dealing with now."
Shoplifting Statistics Show Dramatic Increases
According to a Statistics Canada report from July 2025, shoplifting incidents involving thefts under $5,000 have risen by fourteen percent year-over-year in 2024. Even more concerning is the long-term trend, with these incidents increasing by sixty-six percent since 2014. Police reported a total of 182,361 incidents of shoplifting under $5,000 during 2024 alone.
The financial impact on retailers has been substantial. The Retail Council of Canada reported in September 2025 that the average shoplifting incident resulted in losses of $363 last year, with total losses across the industry reaching approximately $1.04 billion.
Violence and Safety Concerns Escalate
Beyond the financial losses, safety has become a paramount concern for retailers across the country. More than ninety percent of retailers report that shoplifters are exhibiting more violent behavior compared to 2022, according to the Retail Council of Canada report. Violent incidents associated with shoplifting have increased by sixty-one percent.
"Everybody deserves to feel safe in the community where they're trying to earn an honest living," Southwood stated. "Too many owners tell us they lie awake at night watching their security cameras, hoping no one breaks in again."
Business Closures and Policy Recommendations
The cumulative impact of rising theft and violence has led to significant operational challenges for retailers. The Retail Council of Canada noted in their report that "we have seen retailers closing retail locations across various markets in Canada where it is no longer sustainable to operate."
In response to this growing crisis, the CFIB is calling on all levels of government to implement several key measures:
- Adjust the Criminal Code to better address repeat offenders
- Improve law enforcement response times to retail crime incidents
- Institute security rebate programs to help small businesses implement crime prevention measures
The connection between rising living costs and increased retail theft appears clear, with many experts suggesting that economic pressures are driving more individuals to engage in shoplifting. As inflation continues to affect household budgets across Canada, small businesses find themselves caught between rising operational costs and increasing losses from theft.
This combination of factors creates a challenging environment for business owners who must balance customer service, security measures, and profitability while navigating an increasingly difficult economic landscape.
