A noticeable sense of unease has descended upon Kamloops as a rising tide of retail theft and violence engulfs popular establishments, leaving employees and customers grappling with heightened concerns. Winners and Marks, two retail giants in the area, find themselves at the forefront of this disconcerting trend, prompting urgent questions about the safety of those who frequent and work within these spaces.
In recent months, a troubling surge in retail theft and violence has gripped stores, leaving both employees and customers on edge. Winners and Marks, have seen an alarming increase in incidents. The exact numbers of these incidents cannot be obtained at the time of writing as these nubers are not known to the RCMP and both comanies have loss prevention teams that cannot release the numbers.
Alexis, who due to contractual reasons will be referred to by her first name, a recent former employee at Winners, shed light on the recurring patterns of shoplifting and violence. “They would pretty much come in two at once or one right after another. Whether they planned it or not, that was a pattern I noticed a lot of the time,” she stated. Alexis highlighted the strain on productivity caused by extended surveillance, stating, “we’d pretty much be ‘watching them’ for 45-60 minutes, sometimes even longer.”
The rise in theft and violence has taken a personal toll on Alexis and her colleagues. “Definitely concerns to our safety when some of them would come in with some form of weapon,” she expressed. The inability to provide customer service to certain individuals due to safety concerns further heightens the challenges faced by the Winners staff.
Despite the escalating situation, Alexis revealed a lack of significant response from Winners management. “None. Because in reality, they can’t do anything to them,” she emphasized. Promised security measures, including a potential loss prevention team, have failed to materialize, leaving employees feeling vulnerable and unsupported.
Concerns about safety persist, with Alexis stating, “I do not feel safe when I was working there and even now when shopping occasionally.” The promised loss prevention team and enhanced security measures have not materialized, leaving employees and customers alike exposed to the heightened risk of theft and violence.
The impact extends beyond the store, influencing the overall shopping experience in Kamloops. Alexis pointed out the correlation between the store’s proximity to a shelter and the increased theft rate. She noted, “It definitely makes it challenging for customers to go shopping too because they are just always around.”
While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Alexis expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of traditional solutions. “We as a society are at the rut end of it because nothing can fully be done,” she complained. She called for a reevaluation of current security measures and emphasized the need for solutions that protect both staff and customers.
Sierra, who due to contractual reasons will be referred to by her first name, an employee at Marks, provided insights into incidents at her workplace, including customers feeling compelled to take risks due to a lack of assistance. “Customers should not have to risk their safety for a product they’re interested in,” she stressed. The link between understaffing and theft patterns was highlighted, with Sierra stating, “the days we have a lot of theft is when we’re understaffed.”
Sierra outlined the impact on employees’ well-being, expressing concerns about potential harm resulting from dissatisfied customers. “I feel as though it has affected me and some coworkers because we’re nervous that if a customer isn’t happy with our service, we’re going to get hurt,” she revealed.
Marks management’s response has been criticized by Sierra, who stated, “Absolutely nothing.” She highlighted the need for more proactive measures, such as having keys for change rooms and monitoring the number of items customers take in and out.
Safety concerns persist at Marks, with Sierra advocating for locked change rooms and increased employee diligence in providing customer service. She expressed the need for employees to ensure customer safety and prevent theft without putting themselves at risk.
Sierra believes the community is suffering due to the lack of effective measures to combat theft at Marks. The impact on customers is noticeable, with stolen items depriving paying customers and the company of revenue.
The escalating retail theft and violence in Kamloops demand urgent attention from both retailers and the community. Employees like Alexis and Sierra provide crucial insights into the challenges they face daily, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and effective solutions to ensure a safer shopping environment for everyone.
Addressing the pervasive issue of retail theft and violence requires collaborative efforts and community-based initiatives. Alexis and Sierra both highlighted the need for a collective approach to finding solutions. Alexis, despite her skepticism, suggested exploring community-based initiatives that could positively impact the situation. Sierra called for a comprehensive company meeting involving every Marks employee to discuss problems and solutions, emphasizing the importance of setting clear guidelines and maintaining them.
A common thread in both interviews was the perceived inadequacy of management responses. Winners’ employees expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises of security measures, while Marks’ employees criticized the lack of proactive steps to address the issue. Effective leadership is crucial in implementing and enforcing policies that ensure the safety of both employees and customers. Clear communication, regular training, and swift responses to incidents can contribute to a safer retail environment.
While retail establishments play a crucial role in deterring theft, collaboration with law enforcement is equally essential. Both Winners and Marks employees described incidents involving violence, underscoring the need for legal measures to address such offenses. Cooperation between retailers and law enforcement agencies can lead to a more coordinated response, including the swift apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for violent acts during theft.
Raising public awareness about the impact of theft and violence on retail employees and businesses is another avenue worth exploring. Sierra’s observation that theft increases when stores are understaffed emphasizes the need for customers to understand the consequences of their actions.
The surge in retail theft and violence in Kamloops is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. It is evident that a multifaceted approach is required, involving not only retailers and employees but also law enforcement, community leaders, and the public.
The call for increased security, proactive management, collaboration with law enforcement, and public awareness is a collective plea for a safer retail environment. As the community deals with the aftermath, stakeholders must unite, listen to employee concerns, and collaborate on effective solutions. Only through a joint effort can Kamloops address the root causes of retail theft and violence, fostering an environment where businesses thrive, and everyone feels secure.
