Theft of shopping carts cost businesses in North Bay thousands of dollars each year, police said Wednesday in announcing related charges against two people in the city.
“The North Bay Police Service has heard from local businesses that the problem with stolen shopping carts is an ongoing issue, costing their business thousands of dollars a year,” police said in a news release.
“A single shopping cart cost(s) several hundred dollars.”
On April 1, police recovered 22 carts and charged two people with possession of stolen property and issued one provincial offences notice.
“The stolen merchandise had an approximate value of $7,000,” police said.
Both accused were given a future date to appear in court and were released.
Police said shopping cart theft is a serious issue and that local businesses have spent $30,000 to install anti-theft devices on the carts.
“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,” Insp. Jeff Warner is quoted as saying in the release.
‘Theft is theft’
“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.”
However, Warner said, “theft is theft” and police can’t ignore the theft of a cart worth $350 from a local business.
“Our officers will use their discretion and address specific circumstances appropriately,” he said.
“There are many support services within our community that might be in a position to provide individuals with appropriate items to help them transport their belongings that do not come at a cost to our local businesses. This is something I expect we will continue to enforce throughout the summer months.”
