Winnipeg store owners say more needs to be done to combat crime, not security

Michael Paille is the owner of Cobra Collectibles and runs the Sargent Avenue Business Community.

He says not only has theft gotten worse, but it’s also become violent. 

“The last year I’ve been afraid to even leave the store when my staff are here. What if something happens and I’m not there,” said Paille.

“When staff gets threatened there’s PTSD involved in this. Who is there to talk to the staff when something happens, when someone comes in with a machete? We could put a buzzer at the door, but then who am I to say who walks in, because now we are judging them [patrons].”

Paille’s frustration comes just a day after Manitoba’s NDP says they are expanding its security rebate to allow for more people to apply for it. 

He believes more needs to be done on how we detain and punish people.

“In February, we had a person we had to call the police on, they were assaulting someone, they got arrested at noon, and at five o’clock we had to call for the same person. I’m not saying harsher prison time, because that seems to not work. Community service works, you do something, make them help, they made a mess in the area, make them clean up the area, they graffitied, make them clean the graffiti.”

Councillor Ross Eadie is also sounding the alarm about more violent thefts. 

He says it’s gotten so bad that executives from 7-Eleven warned him and Councillor Vivian Santos that 10 stores in the city are at-risk of closing due to thefts and violence.

Eadie alleges that goods stolen from stores like 7-Eleven then being re-sold by other stores illegally.

“If the legitimate stores end up closing, they are coming after you to steal, that’s what is going to happen because these people don’t seem to care. They don’t seem to realize that they are destroying the neighbourhoods that they even live in. Where are they going to get their Slurpee? Everybody loves a Slurpee, there’s no doubt about it,” said Eadie.

Premier Wab Kinew did say Thursday that his government is focused on combating crime.

“We are taking the steps to address the root causes in the addiction crises and help people living in tents get permanent housing,” said Premier Kinew.

Paille added, “We are doing something wrong, and we need to figure out the problem and fix it because it is only getting worse.”