Nova Scotia has highest shoplifting rates in country, according Statistics Canada
“It may have started as crimes of opportunity and now it’s become something more organized because people see the opportunity in front of them. We now have an online marketplace where you can resell these goods very quickly,” said Cormier.
Nova Scotia has the highest shoplifting rate among Canada's provinces, according to recent Statistics Canada data. The report indicates a rise in shoplifting across the country last year, with Nova Scotia standing out as the most affected province.
In 2023, Nova Scotia recorded 7,167 shoplifting incidents, resulting in a rate of nearly 700 incidents per 100,000 people. This rate is significantly higher than in other Maritime provinces or larger Canadian cities.
Jim Cormier, Atlantic director for the Retail Council of Canada, refers to the surge in shoplifting as an "epidemic."
“What may have started as crimes of opportunity has evolved into something more organized, as people recognize the quick resale potential through online marketplaces,” Cormier explained.
Cormier also noted that the Statistics Canada data suggest that shoplifting is not confined to larger cities with higher populations. He believes the actual number of incidents is likely higher than reported.
"For a long time, retailers have been discouraged, thinking, ‘Why bother reporting it when the police might not come, or if they do, it’s hours later, making the paperwork seem pointless,’” said Cormier.
In response to the rising theft, retailers, including the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), have ramped up security measures. It’s now common to see security personnel at store entrances and exits, and some locations even require ID checks as part of a broader strategy to deter theft and ensure the safety of both staff and customers.
“We’re noticing that individuals are becoming less discreet,” said NSLC spokesperson Terah McKinnon.
At some NSLC locations, certain products have been removed from shelves, requiring customers to request staff assistance to retrieve them from secure areas.
“If a store notices a product is being frequently stolen, they may decide to place it behind the counter,” McKinnon added.
McKinnon reported a 60 percent increase in theft since last year, prompting the NSLC to invest more in security.
“We want our shoppers to feel welcome and safe in our stores, and, more importantly, we want our team members to feel secure when they come to work,” she emphasized.
The Retail Council of Canada is currently conducting its own research on shoplifting trends to gain a clearer understanding of the situation.
