This section is Presented
This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication.
by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Retailers face challenges as thefts increase annually
Dec 05, 2025 • Last updated Dec 05, 2025 • 6 minute read

A security guard stands at the entrance of the Shoppers Drug Mart along Princess Street in downtown Kingston. Dec. 3, 2025. Many stores have brought in security guards to prevent shoplifting from occurring. Photo by Photo by Maegen Kulchar /The Whig Standard/Postmedia
Shoplifting incidents are increasing in Kingston.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your community.
Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your community.
Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.
Access more articles from thewhig. com. Get email updates from your favourite journalists.
.
.
Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors
or
A while back, just having security cameras around would deter thieves since many didn’t want their faces caught on video while committing crimes. Back then, shoplifters often tried hard to hide their identities when they saw cameras.</P
The situation has changed significantly since COVID-19 hit. Nowadays, petty criminals seem bolder than ever before; they’re still recorded on camera but often don’t bother concealing their faces or even fear being chased by store employees.</P
The Retail Council of Canada reports that some of the most common items stolen include food and drinks; electronics; clothing and accessories; health and beauty products; plus baby gear and formula.</P
</P
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.</P
</P
The police in Kingston believe that rising shoplifting rates are linked to economic difficulties facing residents.</P
According to new data obtained by the Whig-Standard covering six years of statistics provided by Kingston Police, incidents of shoplifting valued under $5,000 have more than doubled over five years’ time.</P
Diving into specifics reveals that there were just over 400 cases reported for shoplifting under $5,000 back in 2020. Since then numbers have surged dramatically with reports showing increases each year-587 cases in 2022 followed by jumps to930 incidents in both 2023 (966)and this year showing a slight decrease with879 occurrences so far for 2025.<P<“We’ve noticed people are getting much bolder with their theft attempts where individuals walk right out carrying items,” said Anthony Colangeli, media relations officer for Kingston Police via email correspondence with The Whig. Standard.”I think this might be partly due people knowing about 'no-chase' policies as well as self-scan checkouts possibly giving thieves better chances at making off without paying.”
The Kingston Whig-Standard’s Noon News Roundup
Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links news highlights analysis features.
p >
By signing up you consent receive above newsletter Postmedia Network Inc.
!
Your welcome email is heading your way If you don’t see please check junk folder
p >
Next edition The Kingston Whig-Standard’s Noon News Roundup will soon land inbox
().