More than half of Sask. small businesses surveyed say they’ve been directly affected by crime and community safety issues in 2024.
We’ve likely all heard stories about the impact rising crime is having on small local businesses.
Theft, vandalism, loitering, acts of violence, etc. are becoming all too common, and this is taking a toll — financially, physically, mentally and emotionally — on small business owners across the province.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has been closely following this issue over the past two years. While all provinces have seen an increase in the share of businesses affected by crime, the situation is particularly concerning in Saskatchewan.
Business owners affected by crime say they have experienced vandalism/breaking and entering (69 per cent), theft/shoplifting (61 per cent), and dealt with waste and litter (drug paraphernalia, garbage, excrement) outside their business (58 per cent).
More than a third of business owners also report they have been harassed at their shop, or their employees and clientele have been harassed.
It’s not surprising that 70 per cent of Saskatchewan business owners say they are increasingly worried about their personal safety and the safety of their staff and customers.
Worse yet, small business owner say they feel let down by their governments and local law enforcement in response to rising crime.
The CFIB consistently hears from frustrated owners who call their local police to report theft or vandalism, and despite the cumulative damage, their reports are dismissed or nothing is done to help resolve the issue.
Around half of Saskatchewan small business owners say they won’t even bother to file a police report when they experience community safety issues because they don’t believe it will make a difference.
When they do call, slow police response times often leave owners and staff to handle dangerous situations — such as dealing with intoxicated or violent people — on their own.
Many have been forced to invest in stronger security measures, like cameras or security personnel. In some cases, businesses have had to change their operations to be by appointment only, or they now keep their doors locked during business hours.
These actions come at a cost. Over the past three years, Saskatchewan small businesses reported spending a median of $8,000 to cover security investments, losses from theft and repairs from vandalism or break-ins.
This does not even account for losses in productivity, sales and business opportunities because of crime and security measures that may make their premises less accessible.
But more must be done. Eight in 10 business owners say they don’t believe the taxes they pay are translating into any meaningful safety improvements.
We need true collaboration between all levels of government, law enforcement and community stakeholders.
In addition, small businesses want governments to invest in housing and mental health/addictions supports; better upkeep and maintenance of public spaces to help deter crime; better police response times; and an improved approach to recidivism (including reevaluating bail rules and connecting repeat offenders to mental health and addictions services).
We need to get serious about tackling these issues in order to ensure our communities are vibrant and safe and to help create an environment where small businesses can thrive.
Brianna Solberg is the director of provincial affairs for the Prairies and Northern Canada for the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses.
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