How petty shoplifting evolved into a multi-billion-dollar organized crime

Crime is out of control at stores across the country.

A new report released by the Retail Council of Canada says the problem “has escalated into a national crisis, impacting profitability, employee safety, and consumer trust.”

The report found that the level of shrink — loss of inventory due to theft and other reasons — has nearly doubled over the past five years to $9 billion.

More than one-quarter of retailers (76.2 per cent) are reporting increased levels of violence during theft incidents, and repeat offenders account for nearly 18 per cent of arrests.

The report also exposes the “rapid evolution of organized retail crime, its financial strain on retailers, and critical gaps in law enforcement response.”

Our guest on tonight’s Closer Look is Rui Rodrigues, an executive advisor at the Retail Council of Canada.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

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