Portage la Prairie business owners say theft is a growing challenge that’s taking a heavy toll, not just on their bottom lines, but on staff safety and community morale.
Three local store owners describe the stress and frustration of dealing with repeat offenders, the limits of current law enforcement, and the urgent need for change.
Related stories:
‘Enough is enough’: Braaksma says the community must step up
Janna Braaksma, owner of 3’s Company Boutique, says the theft at her store took just 40 seconds, and the suspect is a familiar face.
“I was in my office watching the cameras. I was already calling our local community safety officers within 10 seconds,” she notes. “She was already running out the door with stuff.”
She says her staff did what they could in the moment, but their hands are tied.
“Our staff asked her to leave her bags at the door, which is standard. They asked her not to touch anything. But what can you do when someone refuses to listen?”
Braaksma says the individual is a repeat offender, and this isn’t the first time her business has been hit.
“This was the breaking point of what made me share it,” she remarks. “I know I’m not alone in this. A lot of local businesses see our repeat ones.”
Since posting the security footage on social media, Braaksma says the reaction has been overwhelming.
“I’m a little overwhelmed with how many comments, emails, and messages we have gotten,” she continues. “I think it hit 67,000 views last time I checked. People don’t realize how big of a thing this is.”
Braaksma is grateful for those who’ve reached out and says she’s had strong support from community members, the RCMP, and city safety officers.
“Our community safety officers are a massive asset to our community,” she adds. “They show up often. They stop in, they check on us, they ask what they can do.”
But she emphasizes that more change is needed, and it has to come from the top.
“It’s not about what we should do better. It’s what our justice system needs to do better for us,” Braaksma says. “All of us need to step up to make a change.”
Below is a video of the theft that took place at 3's Company Boutique on June 17, 2025:
Grocery store owner describes daily losses and safety concerns
Mike Panko, owner of Panko's Food Centre, calls shoplifting a near-daily problem with growing frequency over recent years.
“When things are so tight, especially these days and everybody’s trying to save, losing anything on a daily basis constantly adds up for sure,” Panko says. “Plus the time that we have to spend trying to monitor and then in the danger we’re putting ourselves in trying to confront these people.”
He recounts brazen thefts where people have walked out with entire cartfuls of groceries.
“It’s not someone I really want to get involved with and try to confront,” Panko adds. “But I also can’t just let them walk away with hundreds of dollars worth of product.”
Panko also expresses frustration over the lack of follow-through after offenders are caught.
“We used to call the police every time, but after seeing no real consequences, it just became a waste of time,” he remarks.
While weighing options like security personnel, Panko says no clear solution has emerged yet.
Sporting goods retailer highlights staff safety and weak penalties
Kelly Funk, owner of Keystone Sports Excellence, echoes concerns about theft and the toll on employees, many of whom are young.
“Daily we get it,” Funk says. “Yesterday our staff member was threatened... It’s hard to bring in staff knowing that’s a possibility.”
Funk notes the emotional impact on staff who face constant risk.
“We worry every day about what the next level of theft might be,” he adds. “Right now it’s stealing, but where does it go from there?”
He calls for stronger penalties to deter repeat offenders.
“Take shoplifting as theft, robbery. It’s all the same thing,” Funk notes. “When there’s no penalty, people get jealous of the other guy that stole, so they want to get their piece too.”
Funk stresses that without real consequences, the problem will only grow.
“We need penalties that match the crime, so people think twice before stealing,” she says.
Shared call for stronger justice measures
All three owners agree that while local law enforcement is doing its best, the justice system needs to change.
Braaksma praises the community safety officers’ quick response but says “it’s the frustration at the community and provincial level that we need to address.”
Panko adds, “I think a clear solution hasn’t come along yet, but I certainly hope one does.”
Funk sums it up: “We need to have a penalty that suits the crime and right now a severe penalty would, or may, deter people from doing it the first time, second time, third time.”
Together, these business owners say their message is clear - theft isn’t just a financial hit, it’s eroding the safety and well-being of Portage’s local economy and community spirit.
- with files from Ryan Simpson
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.