Manitoba government providing more money for program working to prevent retail theft, violent crime

The Manitoba government is providing more funding to help curb retail theft and violent crime in Winnipeg.

Back in May, the province promised to fund overtime pay for four police units to target hot spots such as retail stores and restaurants.

That was followed up with an over $1 million investment in July to continue the work through the summer.

Now, the government is providing an additional $774,000 to help ensure police are able to provide extra support into the fall.

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"In the neighbourhood that I represent – Fort Rouge constituency – neighbourhoods like Osborne Village, it's been an outpouring from business owners, who have said having the visible presence of the WPS, having the quick response, having people walking through the neighbourhood, is really making a difference," said Premier Wab Kinew.

He noted his government is also tough on crime and the causes of crime, which is why they have been investing long-term in addictions and mental health supports, as well as the health-care system.

"The reality is those investments are going to take time to show results. And so as we invest in a long-term strategy to make more Manitobans well and to improve the safety with those long-term prevention measures, these are the types of steps we need to take today to keep you and everyone in our community safe."

Supt. Dave Dalal with the Winnipeg Police Service said there has been success since this program was started – not only in arrests, but a feeling of safety in these hot spot areas.

"Engaging with the community in a proactive way enhances our relationships with our partners, such as the Biz groups, social service providers, and local residents," said Dalal. "This builds trust and improves outcomes through faster response times and collaboration to solve the ongoing issues."

He noted there have also been significant retail theft investigations which have allowed officers to disrupt repeat offenders.

The conversation is expanding outside these hot spots as well Dalal said, as the police service is trying to see how this can be replicated in other areas of Winnipeg.

"In areas that we're seeing crime surge, so that we can actually have a consistent way to deploy officers in a proactive manner to get ahead of crime problems in the city."

Mayor Scott Gillingham said it's important to remember that retail theft is not a victimless crime.

Not only does a business suffer, but so do the staff and customers who may get caught up in an incident.

"Business owners are victims when they see their hard-earned incomes walk out the door. And the entire community suffers when businesses have to close, jobs are lost, neighbourhoods become less convenient and less interesting," said Gillingham.

However, Gillingham said an initiative like this is only just the beginning of helping the community.

"We have to be the kind of community where businesses are confident to invest, businesses have the confidence that governments have their backs, and are working together to make sure that their community is safer."