Chamber warns of rising retail theft

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is raising an alarm over the growing impact of retail theft.

Chamber president Jennifer Ludwig said retail theft isn’t just a business issue; it is a community issue.

“We are seeing increasing pressure on our local businesses, and it is critical that we work together to respond in a co-ordinated and proactive way,” she told the Sun.

Following a stakeholder meeting on April 7, the Chamber said it is taking a leading role in co-ordinating a response that brings together business owners, law enforcement and government partners.

According to information shared at the meeting, data from the Brandon Police Service shows shoplifting incidents have risen by about 40 per cent, highlighting what the Chamber described as a “significant and growing problem.”

Ludwig said the issue has been building for some time and was brought forward directly by Chamber members, many of whom are struggling with the financial and operational strain.

“It’s another thing that business owners are having to deal with,” she said in an interview. “How do they manage security costs? How do they manage product walking out the door? How do we prevent it and work with the police so they can track what’s going on?”

She pointed to a previous targeted enforcement effort in the city — a retail theft blitz conducted a few years ago — which showed measurable success in reducing incidents during its run.

With that initiative no longer in place, businesses are now looking for longer-term solutions, she said.

While specific businesses most affected were not immediately identified, Ludwig said the Chamber is working to compile a broader picture through its retail task force, representing companies of all sizes, from small independent shops to large national retailers.

The Chamber has also been working closely with the Brandon Police Service, as well as municipal and provincial officials, including the mayor and local MLAs.

”Discussions have included input from the Department of Justice and legal experts to help businesses better understand their rights and options,” Ludwig said.

Among the proposals being considered is the creation of a dedicated Public Safety Unit focused on retail theft, repeat offenders and proactive policing. The Chamber says it supports the idea and plans to advocate for municipal and provincial funding to make it a reality.

The organization is also collaborating with national and provincial partners, including the Retail Council of Canada, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to push for broader policy changes such as bail reform and stronger measures to address repeat offenders.

Ludwig said while the initiative is still in its early stages, the financial impact on businesses is already significant, with dollar estimates expected to be released later.

The Chamber’s business development committee secretary-treasurer Chris Finley said safety has become the No. 1 concern for the organization’s retail members.

“Our role is to bring partners together, support our businesses, and ensure that Brandon remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and do business,” Finley said.

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