Rising Crime Hits Small Businesses Hard, National Survey Reveals
Rising crime is significantly impacting small businesses across Canada, leading to concerns over safety and customer traffic. A recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business revealed that nearly half of small business owners perceive an increase in crime within their communities over the past year.
Survey Findings on Crime Impact
In October 2025, the federation surveyed about 2,500 small businesses to assess the effects of crime and safety on their operations. The results were striking:
- 50% of small-business owners reported a rise in crime in their neighborhoods.
- Only 2% indicated a decrease.
- More than half in seven provinces expressed concern for their personal safety.
Kayode Southwood, a senior policy analyst with the federation, noted that crime is fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate. For many owners, their storefront is essential for their livelihood, leaving little room to relocate due to safety concerns.
The Rising Tide of Shoplifting
Statistics Canada recorded a disturbing 66% increase in shoplifting from 2014 to 2024. The increase is attributed to various factors, including homelessness and poverty. In 2024, nearly 60,000 individuals across 74 Canadian communities faced homelessness.
Irvin Waller, a criminology professor at the University of Ottawa, linked property crimes to these socioeconomic issues, suggesting they often occur alongside mental health and substance abuse challenges.
Business Owners’ Experiences
Marika Styba, owner of Peaseblossoms Flowers in Calgary, reported a 50% decline in walk-in traffic over four years, attributing it partially to safety concerns in her area. She has experienced significant disruptions from public drug use and vandalism near her shop. Styba expressed a common sentiment among business owners that current conditions are detrimental to their enterprises.
In Lethbridge, Alberta, Dan Koenig of Legacy Meats echoed these concerns. His business faces problems, including public drug use and aggressive panhandling, which he says diminish customers’ willingness to visit his store. Koenig has taken his issues to city council, expressing frustration over perceived inaction from authorities.
Small Business Adjustments
In response to the escalating crime rates, many small businesses have made adjustments, including:
- Changing employee shift hours for safety.
- Moving to appointment-only services.
- Implementing security measures like doorbells.
Despite these efforts, a significant majority of respondents to the federation’s survey—about 77%—believe their tax contributions do not result in improved safety measures. Furthermore, only 34% expressed satisfaction with response times from police services.
Call for Action
Business owners overwhelmingly support increased criminal penalties for retail-related crimes, with 89% advocating for government intervention to address these rising issues. Southwood stressed the urgent need for effective solutions to combat the challenges faced by small businesses.
As Styba continues to maintain her store, focusing on cleanliness and creating a welcoming atmosphere, she faces the harsh reality that encouraging customers to return is becoming increasingly difficult. She maintains, “I can make it welcoming and inviting, but if people aren’t going to come down, I can’t make them.”
