Half (50%) of Canadian small business owners report that crime has increased in their community over the past year, while only 2% report a decline, according to the latest research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
The findings align with national crime data. Police–reported shoplifting of $5,000 or under rose 14% in 2024 compared to 2023, marking the fourth consecutive annual increase and a 66% surge since 2014. Together, Statistics Canada data and CFIB research paint a clear picture: Main Street is facing sustained pressure from crime, said the national organization.
Kayode Southwood
“Owners should not be spending more time and money managing theft, vandalism and safety risks than running their business. The financial strain and emotional toll are exhausting. Governments need to respond with stronger consequences for repeat and organized offenders, streamlined reporting and faster responses from police, and supports aimed at prevention and recovery,” said Kayode Southwood, CFIB senior policy analyst.
“Some business owners have told us they’ve spent thousands of dollars on installing security cameras or replacing smashed windows. Some have even said they’d rather take the pandemic over the crime they’re dealing with now.
“Everybody deserves to feel safe in the community where they’re trying to earn an honest living,” Southwood concluded. “Too many owners tell us they lie awake at night watching their security cameras, hoping no one breaks in again. With Canada seeing more business closures than openings, crime is one more pressure pushing people away from running a business. Governments must act decisively and prioritize community safety to restore confidence on Main Street.”
Nearly half of business owners also report concerns about their own safety, and the safety of their staff and their customers. Many have resorted to changing their operations, from locking doors during business hours to implementing buddy systems, and limiting shifts where employees work alone, added the CFIB.
Kalith Nanayakkara
“Small businesses care deeply about their communities. They live there, hire locally, and want vibrant streets,” said Kalith Nanayakkara, senior policy analyst at CFIB. “But too many owners feel burned out and anxious, left to shoulder the burden alone. Governments may be talking more about crime, but progress only counts when business owners actually feel safer on the ground.”
CFIB is calling on all levels of government to:
- Follow through with meaningful Criminal Code changes to better address repeat and organized crime.
- Set service standards to improve law enforcement response time when business owners report a crime, such as introducing faster and more streamlined police reporting processes with consistent follow up.
- Invest in practical supports, such as security rebates, to help small businesses prevent and recover from incidents while longer-term solutions are developed.
- Ensure small businesses have a seat at the policy discussion table, as their experience is essential to developing effective policy.
The CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members across every industry and region.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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