| Business Theft Advisory & How to Handle the Situations
The Riverside BIA has been advised of an individual in the neighbourhood who has stolen items from a couple of local shops (earlier this winter, and again this past week). We wanted to alert you, as this individual is often seen in the area, and may be targeting other neighbouring businesses as well. A police report has been filed for the most recent incident. The description is female, older age, caucasian, dressed awkwardly with different pieces of clothing.
There was also another situation where a person came into one of the shops with small talk and trying to show a relationship with a neighbouring shop and getting the shop’s business card. After a few minutes of leaving, the person called the shop asking for money due to a car accident with the business owner.
If you experience theft, report it online:
https://www.torontopolice.on.ca/core/theft_under.php
CRIME Prevention Tips From Local Police Division 55
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS “A TYPICAL THIEF”
That’s what makes Shop Theft such a difficult crime to prevent. Thieves come in all shapes and sizes, all ages, and from all backgrounds. However, you can detect warning signs and help discourage thieves:
EDUCATE YOUR STAFF – Warning Signs
– The shopper who wanders through your store for an unusually long time may be waiting for an opportunity to steal
– Pros often work in pairs; while one is distracting a sales person, the other person steals
– Shoppers who enter your store with large shopping bags or purses, or with unusually bulky clothing deserve special attention
– Offering a shopper more than one valuable item at a time for inspection is asking for trouble. Do not leave display cases unlocked.
Division 55:
Constable Jonathan Morrice
Jonathan.Morrice@torontopolice.on.ca
(416) 808-5579 |
