Local Business Owner Takes Action Against Thefts

VANCOUVER — Local business owner Joe Chaput has found himself investing significantly in security measures, spending $5,500 monthly on security guards alone during the holiday season. On top of that, he plans to upgrade the video surveillance system of his specialty cheese shop, Les Amis du Fromage, for an additional $5,000.

The New Target: Gourmet Cheeses

Surprisingly, Chaput isn’t peddling luxury brands or high-end jewelry—his products of choice are gourmet cheeses, which have become a hot commodity during this festive time.

Surge in Shoplifting Incidents

At his East Vancouver location, shoplifting incidents have surged, with periods of quietude followed by spates of theft that leave Chaput shaking his head. He explained, “You sometimes miss it. Sometimes, you catch it. Shoplifters are strategic; they tend to avoid areas with heavier customer service and gravitate towards the cheese sections.”

Organized Crime Takes Advantage

As cheese prices soar, so do the rates of food-related thefts across Canada. According to police reports, organized crime syndicates are capitalizing on this trend, stealing cheese and butter to resell on the black market. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University’s Agri-food Analytics Lab reveals that food price surges often give rise to criminal activity.

Different Faces of Theft

Charlebois categorizes shoplifters into two groups: those stealing out of necessity and organized criminals seeking profit. Recently, Mounties in North Vancouver encountered a man wheeling a cart filled with $12,800 worth of stolen cheese. Although the cheese was recovered from a nearby Whole Foods Store, it had to be discarded as it wasn’t stored properly during the transit.

A Vicious Cycle

Constable Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP pointed out the profitability of these food thefts, stating, “If they are drug addicts, they will commit further crimes to fund their habits. It creates a vicious cycle.” Meat theft is also prevalent, leading to store losses that can climb into the thousands.

Police Targeting Butter Heists

Meanwhile, in Ontario, police are on the hunt for individuals stealing butter. Guelph Police spokesperson Scott Tracey reported several butter heists over the past year, with one theft in December amounting to $1,000 and others where thieves made off with nearly $1,000 worth of butter in just four days. “It seems clear these organized thefts are a concerted effort,” he noted, pointing to suspicious online marketplace listings for large quantities of butter.

Need for Modern Prevention Technologies

Retail analysts like Charlebois suggest that grocery stores may need to invest in modern prevention technologies like electronic tags, though they are infrequently used on items like cheese and butter. Historically, retailers have been reluctant to discuss thefts, fearing it could alarm clientele, but the tide appears to be shifting as theft rises alarmingly.

Community Aspect in Retail

Chaput has been in the cheese business for 15 years in East Vancouver and 30 years in Kitsilano, and despite the thief dilemma, he treasures the community aspect of his stores. “Seeing familiar faces and making new ones is the highlight of our work,” he expressed.

Increased Customer Engagement

To combat theft, Chaput has resorted to increasing customer interactions, thereby making it harder for potential thieves to operate covertly. Nevertheless, he admits the stress of theft weighs heavily on his mind. “Managing a business, serving customers, and dealing with criminal activity is exhausting. It can be a really challenging experience,” he lamented.

The Reality of Rising Prices

The unfortunate reality remains that as prices for staple items like cheese and butter rise, so too does the temptation for theft, fundamentally altering retail landscapes and community dynamics in ways never imagined.