The North Bay Police Service is taking action after hearing from local businesses about an ongoing issue of shopping cart thefts.
Over the past several months, city police say a number of stolen shopping carts have been located and returned to their rightful owners.
Officials say shopping cart thefts can cost local businesses thousands of dollars over the course of a year.
“The members of the North Bay Police Service have an obligation to our local business community to do our part to combat the ongoing issue of shopping cart thefts,” says Jeff Warner, Inspector of Operations. “We also recognize that in many instances individuals suffering from homelessness may be in possession of these stolen carts. However, theft is theft, and we would not accept someone stealing $300 from the till of a business; we shouldn’t accept the theft of a $300 piece of property.”
Warner says officers will use their discretion and address specific circumstances appropriately.
He also says there are many support services in the community that can provide individuals with supports that don’t come at the expense of local businesses.
Police say individuals who are in possession of stolen shopping carts risk criminal charges including Possession of Stolen Property and Theft Under $5,000.
