Fraud affects us all

Letter to the Editor
Baby formula. Shaving products. Over-the-counter medications. Batteries. DVDs.
To some consumers, these products are just some of the items on their regular shopping lists. To retailers, these items represent something much bigger – something that has a direct impact on their long-term viability, their ability to grow and the safety of their customers and employees.
These products represent some of the most popular items stolen by a growing number of organized retail crime rings, which ultimately threatens the health and safety of the Canadian public.
Fraud affects everyone – customers and retailers alike. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), organized crime costs Canadians $5 billion every year. In addition, it is estimated that retailers lose more than $3 billion a year, or $8 million a day, to store theft. What is even more worrisome, however, is that today’s thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated, thereby posing an even greater threat to Canadian consumers and businesses.
On behalf of small, mid and large retailers across the country, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) will continue to work with governments and law enforcement to ensure retailers - and Canadian consumers - are protected from fraud by encouraging and promoting to recognize it, report it and stop it.
Sincerely,
Diane J. Brisebois President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada