Sudden increase in thefts in businesses in Bordeaux-Cartierville

According to the 2006 assessment of district station 10 (PDQ 10), burglaries in business increased by 43.8 percent since 2005. This has convinced police of the urgency to inform business about the various means of preventing and avoiding these thefts.

As a result police authorities of PDQ 10 have since taken upon itself to inform business owners of the necessary measures to feel safer. Each visit they carry out not only makes it possible to check if a place has an adequate alarm or secure locks, but also in advising employees of the importance of being vigilant.

"In fact it is often small gestures that make all the difference,” said Socio-Community Officer Véronique Brochu. “Simply by looking at the customer directly in their eyes or by looking frequently at the video surveillance, we show the customer that we are attentive."

Brochu notes that by acting in this way robbers are less likely to commit their theft and other customers feel safer.

The increase in police visibility close to businesses in the district can also deter robbers to commit their crime. "Just the fact that police officers visit us is useful to prevent somebody from committing a crime,” said Jocelyne Dumont, manager of Couche-Tard, a recent victim of theft. “Even if we are well equipped, there is always theft which is done in broad daylight and only the police presence can prevent it."

"The visit of the police will certainly be good,” said Aline Cetpelli, an employee at La Cage aux aubaines. “It is necessary that robbers see that businesses are under the watch of authorities."

While making their rounds, officers at PDQ 10 will check that there are not too many signs on windows, that bars on windows are secure and that employees are careful. The operation should proceed until the end of May and police hope this awareness by business will sensitize them to the importance of protecting themselves. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)