Brandon businesses call for more action on retail theft

Every day, Amber Doubleday keeps a watchful eye on shoppers browsing her toy store in Brandon. She's scanning for shoplifters. In one brazen incident, someone walked in and stole $800 worth of Lego. A suspect she says had just been released from jail. They literally pretty much waved at the camera as they were filling their bag up. So, I mean, some people just don't care if they're going to steal it. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce says retail theft is surging across the city. Threatening local businesses and putting people's safety on the line. Chamber President Emilio Brown says it's one of the biggest issues facing businesses in Brandon's upcoming municipal election. He wants a retail crime strategy brought to the Wheat City, similar to Winnipeg's. People are strong, they're pushing through, they're fighting, it's of course right, but we have a solution, let's put it into action. At Lady of the Lake, Bridget Shaw says they've added cameras, gates and other theft deterrents. even banning repeat offenders from the shop. But she says retailers need more tools to protect products and staff. You're not supposed to stop them before they go out of the store. You know, so it's, I don't know, it doesn't seem that much in favour of the retailer with help from anybody. Back at Toymasters, Doubleday says the greatest retail theft deterrent has been boots on the ground. But a lot of her staff are high school students, and she refuses to put them in harm's way. She's hopeful to see dedicated officers focused on retail theft and tougher consequences for thieves. Doubleday is looking for municipal candidates ready to champion those needs. So I think a big focus has to be on what are we doing to stop that from happening? Are we letting, are we not making people accountable enough? Brandon Police told CBC they plan to introduce an online retail theft reporting system, along with four new officers dedicated to combating retail theft. Voters go to the polls in Brandon's municipal election on October 28th. Chelsea Kemp, CBC News, Brandon.