The North Bay Police Service is once again targeting stolen shopping carts from local businesses.
Police say they’ve heard it’s an ongoing issue that is costing thousands of dollars a year.
On Tuesday, officers conducted targeted enforcement and charged two people with possession of stolen property obtained by crime, issued one Provincial Offences Notice and returned 22 stolen carts to local businesses, with an approximate value of $7,000.
“The theft of shopping carts continues to be a financial burden to our local businesses which increases costs to the average consumer and our community,” says Jeff Warner, Inspector of Operations. “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. Of course, we also recognize that many people suffering from homelessness are in possession of these stolen carts and our intention is not to further burden them considering the hardships they face.”
He adds theft is theft and people should not be in possession of stolen property.
“It is unacceptable for someone to steal the wagon from your backyard to transport their belongings, so we cannot accept the theft of a $350 piece of property from our local businesses,” says Warner. “Our officers will use their discretion and address specific circumstances appropriately.”
Both accused were released with future court appearances.
