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Home » Kingston » Theft Rates Surge in Kingston Since Pandemic
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Kingston

Theft Rates Surge in Kingston Since Pandemic

February 16, 20267 Mins Read
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Theft Rates Surge in Kingston Since Pandemic
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
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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 standing at a store entranceA 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.

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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

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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.”
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In recent times shoppers have been seen leaving grocery stores pushing full carts or exiting liquor stores with arms full of bottles. Ontario Premier Doug Ford labeled these culprits a “brazen bunch of crooks,” remarks he made after witnessing six men leave an LCBO store Kitchener carrying bags filled with stolen alcohol. “We’ve got catch these guys and throw them jail,” Ford stated during a press briefing.“They simply do not care.” As per data released July Statistics Canada regarding retail thefts throughout country revealed four consecutive years increases There were182361 reported instances involving thefts worth$5000 or lower, a14 percent rise compared last year Over past decade total instances increased whopping66 percent according report. This has not loaded yet but article continues below Stores ‘no-chase’ policy While chasing down potential thieves may seem reasonable way holding accountable many employers instruct employees against pursuing suspects instead they advise relying technology capturing evidence documenting incident reporting authorities later While major retailers such as LCBO Metro declined interviews they provided statements regarding their ‘no-chase’ policy “Our staff undergo regular mandatory training detecting deterring theft reporting This training emphasizes personal safety observation gathering information supporting police investigations ” said LCBO supplied statement It also noted its various measures preventing theft collaborating law enforcement contributed nearly1000 arrests last eight months Metro described retail crime “rising issue” consequently implemented range resources aimed reducing losses “Visible security guards improved technology represent examples protecting assets providing safe environment employees customers”, representative Metro conveyed The Whigon supplied statement Similarly it wouldn’t specifically comment concerning ‘no-chase policy’. “For reasons we cannot divulge further details measures currently established”. Based Ontario Convenience Stores Association unfortunate aspect industry It advised against confronting any suspected thief urging workers take mental notes appearance direction taken exit adding avoid attempts apprehending suspects chasing following only escalate violence” Though‘no-chase’ protocol exists ensuring employee safety several businesses including Loblaws Walmart installed single entrances exits divided metal rails glass paneling step rural establishment Sharbot Lake prompted after experiencing surge organized thievery where individuals stole valuable commodities like cheese meat reselling half price trunks vehicles. 7 This hasn’t loaded yet but article continues below Retail crime considered national crisis The Retail Council Canada declared retail crimes had escalated into nationwide problem resulting billions dollars lost each year Based on survey completed conjunction RCC Loss Prevention Research Council approximately20000 retailers across nation average loss set1.5percent translating9 billion annual sales612 billion figure nearly doubled since2018 Report unveiled increase violence aggression tied criminal activities RCC found three-fourths surveyed witnesses larger number violent shoplifters Combination three blitzes orchestrated collaboration police retailers indicated17.7percent arrested repeat offenders five percent identified violent profile6.% flagged active warrants4% possessed31 previous run-ins law enforcement During these sweeps officers confiscated121 weapons Recently attempted robbery Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory involved two individuals who entered establishment attempting steal using baseball bat Unfortunately one person sustained injuries requiring medical attention Employees managed control situation until law enforcement arrived When handling brazen thieves officers can intervene either directly through onsite security or based footage retrieved CCTV subsequently assists identifying suspect’s identity whether through police knowledge public assistance 9 This hasn’t loaded yet but article continues below Kingston Police urge everyone stay safe avoiding dangerous situations should someone find himself involved potential confrontations related stealing “If store personnel encounters someone suspected stealing best course action follow internal protocols notify proper authorities contact local enforcement either during offense afterwards file official report document event ” wrote Colangeli Canada’s legal system struggles keep pace Another factor contributing uptick stealing according RCC stems failure Canadian justice system progressing effectively Report released examining retail crime stated Crown prosecutors frequently choose decline pursue charges causing frustration among loss prevention teams Judges shown reluctance convicting despite compelling evidence whereas serial offenders frequently detained released same day said report However noted95 point2 % Crown prosecutors endorse need organized legislation empowering stronger penalties tools deter criminal behavior support enforcers Council calls action Some recommendations tackle retail offenses involve recognition serious matter rather simply labeling petty acts accurately reflecting losses businesses expanding technologies designed curtail crimes implementing judicial reforms address recurring issues revolving doors justice repeat offenders Mkulchar Share this article within social networks

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