Ever wondered why some of your favorite stores might be disappearing? London Drugs is speaking out about a surge in shoplifting and organized retail crime plaguing their B.C. locations. It’s not just about lost items; staff safety is a huge concern. What do you think needs to change to keep our local shops thriving?

The escalating crisis of retail theft is casting a long shadow over businesses across British Columbia, threatening the very existence of beloved community staples like London Drugs. This pervasive issue extends far beyond mere financial losses, deeply impacting operational viability and, critically, the safety of dedicated retail staff who confront these challenges daily. As the problem intensifies, a growing chorus of business leaders is calling for urgent, coordinated action from all levels of government to safeguard the retail landscape against this destructive trend.

Alarming statistics from local law enforcement underscore the severity of the situation. In Kamloops, for instance, RCMP reports reveal a stark doubling of shoplifting files in 2024, soaring to 1,477 incidents compared to 737 in all of 2021. Even more concerning, mid-way through 2025, shoplifting reports are already trending 20 percent higher than the previous year, indicating a persistent and worsening challenge that demands immediate attention. These figures paint a clear picture of an escalating problem that jeopardizes economic stability and public order.

Beyond the quantifiable financial drain, the human cost of this widespread retail theft is profound. London Drugs’ Chief Operating Officer and President, Clint Mahlman, has highlighted the critical issue of staff safety, revealing that employees at their Kamloops location have endured violent assaults during shoplifting incidents. This alarming reality emphasizes that retail theft is not a victimless crime; it creates a hostile and dangerous work environment, leading to increased fear and potential injury for frontline workers.

Mahlman articulated his concerns about the long-term viability of London Drugs stores in various British Columbia cities, including Kamloops, Prince George, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Victoria. He warned that if the escalating problem of shoplifting and street disorder remains unaddressed, Canada risks mirroring the “retail deserts” now seen in some U.S. cities, particularly within downtown cores. This potential outcome would strip communities of vital services and further erode local economies.

While London Drugs employs numerous undercover loss prevention officers who are critical in attempting to mitigate theft, the sheer volume of incidents and the prevalence of repeat offenders present significant hurdles. Mahlman noted that in the first half of July alone, Kamloops London Drugs reported 151 shoplifting instances, with an additional 270 calls made to the company’s response center by store staff. These numbers underscore the constant battle retailers face against individuals who exploit systemic weaknesses, believing they can act with impunity.

Recognizing the systemic nature of the problem, London Drugs has been a vocal advocate for governmental intervention for decades. As a key member of the “Save Our Streets” (SOS) coalition, the company recently engaged with the entire B.C. federal Liberal caucus to discuss comprehensive strategies for addressing the surge in crime. Their advocacy underscores a belief that individual corporate efforts, while important, are insufficient without broader governmental support and policy reform.

To tackle the crisis effectively, Mahlman outlined several key policy recommendations. These include the implementation of anti-fencing laws to better regulate online marketplaces and disrupt organized crime’s lucrative trade in stolen goods, thereby creating stronger consequences for those profiting from illicit activities. Additionally, he called for federal funding for provincial governments, tied to performance metrics, to build out a full continuum of care for individuals grappling with addictions and mental illnesses, recognizing the link between these issues and petty crime.

A significant proposal put forth by Mahlman is the discontinuation of British Columbia’s drug decriminalization policy, which is set for renewal in January 2026, arguing it has contributed to the increase in shoplifting. This call reflects a growing debate about the efficacy of current approaches to public safety and addiction. The localized challenges in B.C. are also echoed in new police-reported crime data from Statistics Canada, which indicates that shoplifting of goods valued at $5,000 and under has risen for the fourth consecutive year nationwide, signaling a national crisis requiring a multi-faceted response.