Calgary city councillors seek ways to crack down on shoplifting under $100

A motion from two Calgary city councillors asks administration to conduct "an analysis of approaches" that the city could take to regulate theft under $100.

Calgary city council is getting set to debate a motion that would look for different ways to crack down on thefts under $100, including a scan of what other municipalities are doing to tackle the issue.

The notice of motion, co-signed by Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot and Ward 2 Coun. Jennifer Wyness, argues a rise in low-value thefts is causing business frustration, public erosion of confidence in enforcement, and front-line officer frustration.

“Accountability is what we’re looking for, public trust is another and reduced resource requirements for the police department,” Chabot told Global News.

According to the motion, there have been around 23,063 calls for service since 2023, with “the majority” involving thefts under $100. However, the motion states just 17 per cent of those incidents result in charges.

Currently, minor shoplifting offences of less than $100 is enforced through a Criminal Code charge of theft under $5,000.

For Zain Khalid, who owns Express Mart Convenience and Grocery in downtown Calgary, repeated shoplifting incidents in his store have led him to question whether he should continue reporting the thefts.

“People are very mindful when they’re stealing stuff, they don’t want to go above that $100 range,” he told Global News. “Even when we go to court for these cases, the judge throws the case away because it’s only food.”

Khalid said he’s spent thousands of dollars on security cameras and bars for his front windows to protect his store from theft, but noted he doesn’t display certain products on the floor due to repeated shoplifting incidents.