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A recent study released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) highlights growing concerns among Alberta’s small business owners regarding the impact of crime on their operations, staff, and clientele. Titled “How Crime and Disorder Are Reshaping Daily Life for Canada’s Small Businesses,” the report indicates that nearly half of small business proprietors in the province have witnessed an increase in criminal activity over the past year, with only a small fraction reporting any decline.
Alarming Statistics from Alberta
The CFIB’s survey, which encompasses responses from small business owners across all ten provinces, reveals that 57 per cent of business operators in Alberta express anxiety about their personal safety, as well as the safety of their employees and customers. Kayode Southwood, a senior policy analyst at CFIB, described the findings as troubling: “It’s definitely alarming to see that kind of data coming from small businesses.”
In the specifics, 17 per cent of small business owners reported a “significant” rise in crime, while 32 per cent noted a “somewhat” increased likelihood of criminal activity. Only 5 per cent claimed to have experienced a decline in crime rates. Collectively, the 49 per cent who reported increased crime levels rank Alberta seventh among Canadian provinces for heightened concerns.
Comparisons Across Provinces
Crime perceptions are at their highest in Newfoundland and Labrador, where 69 per cent of small business owners reported significant or moderate increases in criminal activity. In stark contrast, Quebec reported the lowest concern, with only 28 per cent of business owners sharing similar worries.
The survey paints a clear picture of how the landscape of crime is shifting for small enterprises in Canada, particularly in Alberta, where a significant proportion of business owners are feeling the pressure.
Real Stories from the Ground
Local business owners like Greg Jarmula, manager of Walls Alive, have experienced these challenges firsthand. “We’ve been seeing a steady increase in somewhat criminal activity, vagrants that park themselves in front of our store, start fires, and graffiti is an ongoing problem in this area,” he explained. Jarmula recounted instances of vandalism that have left him and his staff feeling uneasy. “We try to be vigilant… yet we have to look over our shoulders and make sure whoever is in the store is truly our clientele.”
In response to these threats, Jarmula recently invested in a steel security gate, a measure he feels was necessary due to increasing incidents around his shop. “Unfortunately, some of our budget needs to be directed towards those causes,” he added.
The Bigger Picture: Retail Crime on the Rise
The CFIB’s findings align with police-reported statistics that indicate a worrying trend: a 66 per cent increase in shoplifting incidents between 2014 and 2024. Specifically, 2024 has seen a 14 per cent rise in thefts under £5,000 compared to the previous year.
Sgt. Nick Wilsher of the Calgary Police Crime Unit commented on the situation: “We have seen a rise in retail crime across the board… from large corporate stores to small convenience shops.” He noted that the motivations behind these crimes vary widely, from individuals stealing small items to larger thefts intended for resale.
Calls for Action
In light of these findings, the CFIB is urging all levels of government to take decisive action to combat crime. Recommendations include:
– Amending the Criminal Code to better address issues related to repeat and organised crime.
– Establishing standards for law enforcement response times when crimes are reported, alongside streamlined police reporting processes.
– Offering incentives such as security rebates to help small businesses prevent and recover from crime incidents.
– Ensuring that small businesses are included in the development of effective crime-fighting policies.
Southwood expressed cautious optimism regarding potential changes to the Criminal Code on the federal level but emphasised the need for municipal involvement as well. Many business owners report frustration with the lengthy processes involved in reporting crimes, which can deter them from taking action.
Why it Matters
The rising tide of criminal activity poses not only immediate threats to the safety and security of small businesses but also long-term implications for the economic health of Alberta. As local proprietors are forced to divert funds towards security measures instead of growth initiatives, the overall vibrancy of communities may suffer. Addressing these concerns with effective policies and community support is paramount to ensuring a safer, more resilient future for Alberta’s small business landscape.
