Crime remains a daily pressure for Newfoundland and Labrador small businesses
Half (50%) of Canadian small business owners report that crime has increased in their community over the past year, while only 2 per cent report a decline, according to the latest research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
The findings align with national crime data. Police‑reported shoplifting of $5,000 or under rose 14 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, marking the fourth consecutive annual increase and a 66 per cent surge since 2014. Together, Statistics Canada data and CFIB research paint a clear picture: Main Street is facing sustained pressure from crime.
“Business owners are being pushed to the brink, forced to focus more on protecting their property than actually operating their businesses. The financial burden and stress are overwhelming. There’s an urgent need for governments to step up with stronger measures for repeat and organized crime, more efficient reporting systems, quicker police response times, and meaningful supports that help prevent crime and aid recovery,” said Jonathan Galgay, Director of Legislative Affairs. “Many owners are pouring thousands into security upgrades and repairs, and some say the current wave of crime feels even more challenging than the pandemic.”
Nearly half of business owners also report concerns about their own safety, and the safety of their staff and their customers. Many have resorted to changing their operations, from locking doors during business hours to implementing buddy systems, and limiting shifts where employees work alone.
“Small businesses are community builders, they live locally, hire locally and want strong, welcoming streets,” added Galgay. “But many owners are burnt out and worried about safety, feeling like they’re carrying the burden alone. Governments need to move beyond talk and deliver changes that business owners can actually feel on the ground.”
CFIB is calling on all levels of government to:
· Follow through with meaningful Criminal Code changes to better address repeat and organized crime.
· Set service standards to improve law enforcement response time when business owners report a crime, such as introducing faster and more streamlined police reporting processes with consistent follow up.
· Invest in practical supports, such as security rebates, to help small businesses prevent and recover from incidents while longer-term solutions are developed.
· Ensure small businesses have a seat at the policy discussion table, as their experience is essential to developing effective policy.
“Feeling safe shouldn’t be a luxury for small business owners,” Galgay concluded. “When entrepreneurs are constantly worrying about repeat incidents, it’s clear the system isn’t working the way it should.”