ADDRESSING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF REPEAT NON-VIOLENT CRIME ON BUSINESSES (2026)

Issue

Businesses across British Columbia are experiencing growing financial and operational impacts from repeat non-violent crime, including theft, shoplifting, vandalism, fraud, and property damage. While individual incidents may appear minor, repeated victimization creates significant cumulative costs through lost inventory, property damage, insurance deductibles, security investments, and staff time. 

These impacts disrupt daily operations, increase safety concerns for staff and customers, and force many businesses to absorb ongoing losses to remain viable. In some cases, businesses are reducing operating hours, limiting public access, or reconsidering their long-term presence in affected areas.

While recent policy attention has focused on violent repeat offenders, there remains limited coordinated action on chronic non-violent offending that repeatedly impacts businesses and local economic stability. 

Chambers of commerce and business organizations across urban, suburban, and rural communities report similar patterns of repeat non-violent offending, contributing to declining business confidence and increased operating costs.

Background 

Businesses across British Columbia report frequent interactions with the same individuals committing non-violent offences such as theft, shoplifting, vandalism, and property damage. Over time, repeated incidents result in escalating costs for repairs, loss prevention, surveillance systems, and staff training. 

The Province of British Columbia has acknowledged the growing impact of retail theft and related property crime on communities and the economy. When announcing the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement (C-STEP) program, the province stated the initiative was intended to address “street crimes such as robbery, shoplifting, theft and property damage, and the associated impacts on public safety, community well-being and the growth of B.C.’s economy.”[1]

Small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable to these impacts because they often lack the resources to absorb repeated losses or hire dedicated security services. Business and community organizations across the province report that escalating theft and security costs are already contributing to reduced operating hours, service limitations, and in some cases, business closures.[2]

Crime Prevention Costs and Fiscal Pressures

Businesses are increasingly absorbing the costs of crime prevention as incidents of theft, vandalism, and disorder persist. At the same time, recent fiscal changes may increase these pressures.  

The expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax to include security and investigative services will further increase the cost of private security.[3]

Business organizations have raised concerns that the measure increases the cost of protecting businesses from crime. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade noted that the expansion will “raise input costs, discourage investment and weaken competitiveness.”[4]

The province has introduced financial supports intended to help businesses respond to property crime. In 2023, the Government of British Columbia launched the Securing Small Business Rebate Program to assist businesses with vandalism-related costs. The program provided rebates of up to $2,000 for vandalism repairs and up to $1,000 for preventative measures such as security cameras or other equipment intended to deter future incidents.  While programs such as this provide valuable support, businesses have indicated that current funding levels, eligibility criteria, and application processes may not fully reflect the cumulative and ongoing costs associated with repeat non-violent crime. In many cases, available funding does not keep pace with rising costs for repairs, security measures, and inflation, limiting the effectiveness and accessibility of these programs for businesses experiencing repeated incidents.[5]

Budget 2026 introduced a Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative aimed at strengthening monitoring and enforcement for repeat property crimes impacting businesses. 

Legal and Justice Framework

Canada’s legal framework for bail and sentencing, governed by federal legislation, emphasizes restraint, proportionality, and rehabilitation. 

As a result, individuals charged with non-violent offences are often released quickly with conditions, and sentencing outcomes may include probation, fines, or short custodial terms. 

Statistics Canada data indicate that many individuals released from custody reoffend within a relatively short period of time, demonstrating a cycle of re-entry into the community without sustained intervention.[6]

Evidence from Business Surveys

Province-wide surveys conducted by the Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia indicate that a significant majority of businesses report moderate to severe impacts from repeat non-violent crime, including financial losses and reduced confidence in reporting.[7]

Local surveys conducted by the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce and the Williams Lake Downtown Business Improvement Association show similar patterns, including repeat offenders, escalating losses, and reporting fatigue among business owners. 

The Chamber Recommends 

That the Provincial Government:

1. Increase judicial, prosecutorial, and court system capacity to reduce delays and ensure timely case progression for repeat non-violent offences impacting businesses.
2. Expand targeted enforcement, monitoring, and intervention programs for repeat non-violent offending through coordinated multi-agency approaches, including law enforcement, courts, and health and social services, with regular public reporting on outcomes.
3. Establish a standardized, province-wide business crime reporting and feedback framework in partnership with chambers of commerce, business improvement associations, and law enforcement.
4. Provide sustained and scalable funding for community-based programs and direct business supports, including grants and rebate programs that are accessible and reflect the cumulative costs of repeat incidents, including property damage, loss, and security measures.

That the Federal Government:

1. Review bail and sentencing provisions under the Criminal Code related to repeat non-violent offending, ensuring patterns of repeat offending and cumulative harm to businesses are considered in judicial decision-making.
2. Work with provinces and territories to strengthen accountability measures for repeat non-violent offenders, while maintaining alignment with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.