Saskatchewan is seeing an “alarming” increase in retail crimes involving violent threats and vandalism.

According to the Retail Council of Canada, retail crime costs the province’s retailers an estimated $180 million annually.

“Saskatchewan retailers have experienced a continuous escalation of criminal incidents in their stores, as perpetrators see little consequence for their actions within the justice system,” said John Graham, Director of Government Relations for the Prairie Region at the Retail Council of Canada.

“Property loss is substantial; post-pandemic, we have seen an alarming increase in retail crimes involving violent threats and vandalism,” he added.

Graham said poverty and addictions are key issues driving retail crime.

According to Graham, there has been substantial growth in career offenders who are more organized, determined, and targeted in their efforts.

“Not only do these individuals represent a disproportionate amount of the losses, but they are also key contributors to the bigger concern of employee and shopper safety, due to the higher frequency of situations that involve assaults, weapons, and other threats,” Graham said.

Retail crimes in Saskatoon have forced the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) to launch Project SHIELD, tackling crime in the city.

The project coincides with the Retail Council of Canada’s national “Retail Blitz” campaign, which aims to crack down on retail crime across the country.

“Officers will have a visible presence in the 200, 300, and 400 blocks of Confederation Drive over two days - May 7 and 8. Working alongside store LPOs and security personnel, SPS will focus on identifying and arresting offenders for a range of crimes such as theft, robbery, weapons possession, breach charges, and executing outstanding warrants. Education will be provided to less-prolific offenders under certain circumstances,” SPS said in a release.

SPS says Saskatoon sees a steady increase in retail crime, and businesses in the city are experiencing a rise in prolific and violent offenders entering stores.

According to SPS, in many cases, shoplifting is observed, and weapons are present along with an increased threat of escalated violence towards staff, security personnel, and shoppers.

Police ask residents to help them during this project by reporting crimes. However, the Retail Council of Canada recommends that retailers reduce inventory of high-target items, ensure good sightlines across stores, and train staff to greet customers.