On Tuesday of this past week, Brandon Police members met with Ministers of the Province and City of Brandon dignitaries to discuss the most recent initiative to curb retail theft.
'We're proud to share the remarkable success of our recent four-week Retail Theft Initiative, a joint effort that has made a significant impact in tackling theft in the Westman community,' stated Janet Reichert, Recruitment & Communications Specialist, Community Support for Brandon Police Service.
'Minister Wiebe, Canadian Tire owner Glenn Butt, and Chief Bates spoke of the results and impact of this crucial project, which saw the identification and capture of nearly 70 criminals involved in retail theft, alongside the recovery of over $10,000 in stolen goods. Mayor Fawcett and Minister Simard were also in attendance to share in the discussion and success.'
Chief Bates shared, “I would like to express both gratitude and appreciation for the partnership and contribution of Manitoba Justice in enabling this work, and the hard-working members of BPS who worked tirelessly throughout this project on their days off. Manitoba Justice provided the City of Brandon with $85,000 in funding to support efforts in addressing and deterring retail theft in Westman."
"This initiative is about more than just statistics; it’s about the positive ripple effects in our community. Each theft represents a loss that impacts businesses, employees, and public safety, but with the continued collaboration between law enforcement, local businesses, and the community, we are taking major steps toward a safer, more secure Westman.”
He also spoke, “While this success is encouraging, we know the fight is far from over. The data tells us that while we've made a dent, retail theft remains an ongoing issue that continues to evolve in Westman. We are most appreciative of the partnership of Manitoba Justice and the dedicated funding in 2024/2025 that has enabled this proactive effort to reduce crime and enhance the safety of our community. BPS will seek to build on these efforts and to prevent theft before it happens, through improved technology, employee training, and community-based solutions."
"Our ultimate goal is simple: we want to make sure that our Brandon businesses thrive, employees and citizens feel safe, and our community continues to grow and prosper. Every dollar spent on preventing retail theft translates into better jobs, safer neighborhoods, and lower prices for consumers. This isn't just about catching criminals, it’s about the wellbeing and safety of our community.”