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The North Bay Police Service is returning stolen shopping carts to local businesses that have been the victims of theft.
See related: Stolen shopping cart crackdown imminent
“The theft of shopping carts is a serious financial hit against businesses in our community,” says Inspector of Operations Jeff Warner. “The members of the North Bay Police Service have an obligation to our local business community to do our part to combat the ongoing issue of shopping cart thefts.
"Of course, we also recognize that in many instances individuals suffering from homelessness may be in possession of these stolen carts. However, theft is theft, and we would not accept someone stealing $300 from the till of a business; we shouldn’t accept the theft of a $300 piece of property. Our officers will use their discretion and address specific circumstances appropriately. There are many support services within our community that can provide individuals with supports that do not come at the expense of our local businesses.”
NBPS says it has heard from local businesses that there is an ongoing issue with the theft of shopping carts. Shopping cart thefts can cost local businesses thousands of dollars over the course of a year, with a single shopping cart costing several hundred dollars.
Over the past several months, working with local businesses, the North Bay Police Service has located a number of stolen shopping carts and returned them to their rightful owners.
In order to combat the theft of shopping carts, the NBPS is working closely with local businesses to get information about shopping cart thefts when they happen. Officers are acting with discretion and within their authority as police officers to return stolen property to its rightful owner and hold those who steal shopping carts accountable. Individuals who are in possession of stolen shopping carts risk criminal charges including possession of stolen property and theft under $5,000.
The North Bay Police Service is also reminding business owners who purchase shopping carts secondhand to ensure that the seller is the cart’s rightful owner. If you are buying stolen shopping carts, you could put yourself at risk of a criminal charge, such as possession of stolen property.
