Victoria police say they’re stepping up foot patrols in the downtown core to listen to concerns from businesses and respond to problems like retail theft.
The beefed-up police presence is something one business owner says is just what’s needed during the holiday season.
Teri Hustins, whose stores include Kaboodles, Oscar & Libby’s and Two Otters Science & Nature Company, said having more officers and bylaw staffers on the street right now is good for business as downtown struggles with perceptions that it’s not safe.
It’s especially important to have that presence during the holiday season, when it’s crucial for downtown businesses to do well, Hustins said. “For example, in my business, we put through 25 per cent of our annual sales in 24 days, so that’s a big chunk of change.”
The mere presence of more officers has a measurable impact on lowering crime and disorder, said Jeff Bray, chief executive of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, adding the group has been calling for more foot patrols in the downtown core.
“Just having police on foot adds to a greater sense of general safety — people like to see them.”
Robinson’s Outdoor Store general manager David Keay said an added police presence downtown should help keep a lid on theft and the amount of garbage people leave on the sidewalk.
“Anytime you have an increased authority presence you should see a decrease.”
Keay said the store has a large awning outside that people sometimes use for shelter, so staff members have to monitor the area and keep it clean. “As the weather gets worse, the situation becomes more dire for [those sheltering outdoors].”
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak said in a statement that police are always looking for ways to be more responsive to the downtown business community. “During the busy holiday season especially, we want to ensure they know that we are there for them.”
Police said the extra patrols build on the success of last year’s Project Downtown 91原创, a six-week initiative to check in on businesses and keep an eye on problems such as theft, property crime and street disorder.
Police conducted an eight-day crackdown on retail theft in Victoria from Nov. 27-Dec. 5, 2023, that led to 109 arrests and the recovery of over $29,000 in stolen goods.
Four of those arrested were caught multiple times and 21 had outstanding warrants.
Called Project Lifter, it was organized in response to businesses concerned not just about theft but about the safety of staff members who might encounter violence when trying to stop shoplifters.
A similar effort Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2022 in the downtown area and at the Hillside and Mayfair shopping centres resulted in 17 shoplifting arrests, seizure of weapons like knives and bear spray, and about $5,000 worth of goods being recovered.
Bray said many businesses report that after sustained anti-crime efforts such as those in the past two years, there is typically a period when crime and behaviours such as open drug use and random theft are less of a problem.
He and Hustins both said the city’s recent focus on street cleaning is also helping downtown businesses.
“The city’s been incredibly supportive of the businesses as we’re into the fourth quarter,” said Hustins, who also praised the police department. “When they have the resources, they have always responded to the businesses.”
The increased police presence is appreciated during the busy holiday season, but it makes a difference at any time of year, Bray said.
“We realize resources are strapped,” he said. “But we feel we should be having proactive bylaw and police patrols every day.
“The issues are such that a constant presence really does have a positive impact.”
