Thefts on the rise at NSLC, other N.S. retail outlets

The theft margin increased by 55 per cent at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) in 2024, according to data from the organization.

"That's a sizeable increase," said Bruce Winder, a Toronto-based retail analyst.

Winder said while NSLC number really stands out, shoplifting has been trending up across Canada, particularly in the last two years.

Winder said a “perfect storm” of economic factors, along with the impact of cellphones, have contributed to the rise in thefts.      

"They would tackle you, and take it and bring you down and phone the cops," Widmer said of how things might have happened 15 years ago. "Now, there's such a heightened fear of being captured on film and the liability that comes along with that as a company that you're instructing staff, 'Don't do it.'"

The Nova Scotia RCMP also says personal safety should be put above property, but they note good videos or photos of shoplifters can help investigations.

"If you are in a position that you are able to document something, using a phone or something like that in a store and are able to speak with staff or police about that - it can definitely be helpful," said Cpl. Carlie McCann, a communications officer with the Nova Scotia RCMP

Winder said smash-and-grabs at jewelry stores have also increased significantly      

"It's going to take a number of government and non-government organizations getting together and finding a real solution, and that's not easy. It hasn't been done yet," Winder said. "This has been like this for two or three years now."

The NSLC notes thefts at four Sydney area locations - including Sydney River and North Sydney - are up 43 per cent over last year, which is slightly less than the overall increase provincewide.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.