A recent study by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) highlights the escalating concerns among small business owners in Alberta regarding the impact of crime on their operations and overall safety. The report, titled *How Crime and Disorder Are Reshaping Daily Life for Canada’s Small Businesses*, indicates that half of the respondents in Alberta perceive an increase in criminal activity within their communities over the past year, with only a meagre five per cent noting a decline.
Alarming Statistics from Alberta
According to the CFIB, approximately 57 per cent of small business owners in Alberta express worries about their personal safety and that of their staff and customers. Kayode Southwood, a senior policy analyst at CFIB, remarked, “It’s definitely alarming to see that kind of data coming from small businesses.” The survey results reveal that 17 per cent of small business owners in Alberta report crime has “significantly increased,” while 32 per cent believe it has “somewhat increased.” This trend places Alberta among the provinces most affected by rising crime, with only Newfoundland reporting higher levels of concern.
Notably, Newfoundland has the highest percentage of small business owners—69 per cent—who claim that crime has significantly or somewhat risen over the past year. In stark contrast, Quebec reported the lowest concern, with only 28 per cent of business owners sharing similar worries.
Personal Accounts of Rising Threats
These statistics reflect the harsh reality faced by business operators like Greg Jarmula, manager of Walls Alive, who has witnessed the increasing tide of criminal activities first-hand. “We’ve been seeing a steady increase in criminal activity, with vagrants congregating in front of our store, starting fires, and ongoing graffiti problems,” he shared. Jarmula described the anxiety felt by business owners, stating, “We all seem to be a bit on edge.”
In response to these challenges, Jarmula has had to invest in additional security measures, including the installation of a steel gate at the front of his business. He explained, “We decided to be proactive after a fire started in front of our door. Unfortunately, some of our budget now needs to be directed towards these security measures.”
Retail Crime on the Rise
The CFIB’s findings align with alarming statistics from law enforcement, noting a 66 per cent increase in shoplifting incidents from 2014 to 2024. In 2024 alone, cases of theft under $5,000 saw a 14 per cent rise compared to the previous year. Calgary Police Crime Unit’s Sgt. Nick Wilsher confirmed the trend, stating, “We have seen a rise in retail crime across the board, affecting both large corporations and small convenience stores.”
Wilsher elaborated on the different motivations behind these crimes, explaining that larger chain stores often experience theft for resale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. Meanwhile, smaller businesses sometimes face petty theft, as well as more significant thefts driven by various social factors.
Calls for Government Action
In light of these troubling trends, the CFIB is urging all levels of government to take decisive action against crime. Their recommendations include:
– Amending the Criminal Code to better address issues such as repeat and organised crime.
– Establishing standards for law enforcement response times and improving police reporting processes.
– Offering incentives like security rebates to aid small businesses in preventing and recovering from crime.
– Ensuring small businesses are involved in the development of effective crime-fighting policies.
Southwood expressed cautious optimism about upcoming changes to the Criminal Code, stating, “I think time will tell to see if those changes are enough to combat some of the issues that small businesses are seeing on the street.” He also highlighted the need for municipalities to play a significant role, noting that many business owners struggle to report crimes due to cumbersome processes.
The Calgary Police Service has encouraged business owners to report crimes online, regardless of severity, and to provide CCTV footage when possible. Wilsher cautioned, “The more people report, the clearer picture we get of what is being targeted and which areas are facing significant issues.”
Why it Matters
The rising crime rates and heightened concerns among Alberta’s small business owners signal a critical juncture for the province’s economic landscape. As crime continues to disrupt daily operations and threaten personal safety, the call for government intervention is not merely a plea for support but a vital necessity to ensure the survival and sustainability of local businesses. If left unaddressed, the implications of this growing crisis could extend beyond individual enterprises, potentially undermining community stability and economic wellbeing across Alberta.
