The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has unveiled plans for a targeted crackdown on organized crime impacting retail stores in Quebec. In the coming weeks, a series of operations and partnerships will be implemented across key areas such as Gatineau, Terrebonne, Quebec City, Laval, and the Longueuil region.
To combat the rising threat posed by criminal groups, the RCC is joining forces with retailers, law enforcement agencies, and industry experts to enhance security measures and prevent further incidents. The primary objective is to disrupt the activities of organized crime syndicates that have been increasingly active, jeopardizing the safety of both staff and customers and causing substantial financial losses.
Michel Rochette, president of the CCCD – Quebec, emphasized the human toll of these crimes, highlighting the challenges faced by employees, customers, and business owners in the aftermath of thefts. The collaborative efforts between police and retail organizations have been crucial in facilitating targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.
Recent incidents, particularly in jewelry stores in Greater Montreal, have underscored the urgent need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures in addressing security concerns. A survey conducted for the CCCD revealed widespread apprehension among Quebecers regarding the safety implications of organized crime in retail settings, with a significant portion expressing dissatisfaction with the current responses from authorities.
Rochette emphasized the evolving nature of criminal activities in the retail sector, stressing the necessity of adapting strategies to counter the growing threat posed by organized crime and repeat offenders. Data from a joint report by the CCCD and the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) further underscored the substantial economic impact of retail-related crimes, with estimated losses amounting to $9.2 billion annually in Canada.
The collaborative initiative will culminate in an event on Oct. 16 in Montreal, known as Contact Sécurité, organized by the CCCD to further engage stakeholders and advance efforts in combating organized crime in the retail industry.
