The scale of the problem
The Retail Council of Canada's 2024 national report puts retail shrink at about $9 billion a year, roughly 1.5% of total retail sales and double the 2018 figure. The same report found that 76.2% of retailers have seen more violence during theft incidents, and that repeat offenders made up 17.7% of arrests in enforcement initiatives.
Why visible officers matter again
When theft turns confrontational, staff safety becomes the first priority. A uniformed, trained officer changes the decision a would-be thief makes at the door, and gives employees someone trained in de-escalation to call on. That is why guarding remains the core of most loss-prevention programmes.
Where technology fits
Retailers are not choosing between guards and technology. The Retail Council of Canada reports that 41.7% of retailers are increasing budgets for AI surveillance and related tools. The strongest programmes use AI monitoring to cover after-hours and blind spots, so officers can focus on the floor during trading hours.
A practical starting point
Start with a site assessment: map your peak-risk hours, entrances and stockrooms. Put officers where people are, monitoring where they aren't, and make sure every alert reaches a person who can act.