North Bay Police Targeting Stolen Shopping Carts
The North Bay Police Service is once again targeting stolen shopping carts from local merchants who have been the victims of theft.
The North Bay Police Service has heard from local businesses that the problem with stolen shopping carts is an ongoing issue costing their business thousands of dollars a year, with a single shopping cart costing several hundred dollars.
On the 1st April, officers conducted some targeted enforcement and charged two individuals with Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime, issued one Provincial Offences Notice and returned 22 stolen carts to local businesses. The stolen merchandise had an approximate value of $7,000. Both accused were released with an Appearance Notice to appear in court at a future date.
In order to combat the theft of shopping carts, the North Bay Police Service is working closely with local businesses to get information about shopping cart thefts and when they happen. Local businesses have expressed that they have incurred expenses upwards of $30,000 to install anti-theft devices for their carts. Members of the North Bay Police Service are acting with discretion and within their authority to return stolen property to its rightful owner and hold those who steal shopping carts accountable. Individuals who are in possession of stolen shopping carts do risk criminal charges.
“The theft of shopping carts continues to be a financial burden to our local businesses which increases costs to the average consumer and our community,” said Jeff Warner, Inspector of Operations at the North Bay Police Service. “The members of the North Bay Police Service have an obligation to our local business community to do our part to combat the ongoing issue of shopping cart thefts. Of course, we also recognize that many people suffering from homelessness are in possession of these stolen carts and our intention is not to further burden them considering the hardships they face. Theft is theft and they should not be in possession of stolen property. It is unacceptable for someone to steal the wagon from your backyard to transport their belongings so we cannot accept the theft of a $350 piece of property from our local businesses. Our officers will use their discretion and address specific circumstances appropriately. There are many support services within our community that might be in a position to provide individuals with appropriate items to help them transport their belongings that do not come at a cost to our local businesses. This is something I expect we will continue to enforce throughout the summer months.”