The province is spending $1 million to extend a retail and violent crime enforcement campaign, which targets three hot spots in Winnipeg, through the summer.
Business leaders are calling on the Manitoba government to further extend or make the initiative permanent beyond August.
“When businesses open their doors every morning, they shouldn’t have to worry that they be faced with rampant theft from those who disregard the law,” Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said in a news release.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Foot patrol officers Stephen Desrochers (left), John Middleton, and Todd Martens (all part of the Winnipeg Police Service Violent Crime Retail Theft Initiative) walk through Old Market Square in the Exchange District on Wednesday.
In late May, the province offered temporary funding to the Winnipeg Police Service to cover overtime hours for officers who are taking part in the campaign.
The initial one-month initiative focused on Osborne Village, the Exchange District and the West End. The campaign involves foot patrols to help boost the visibility of police on the streets.
City police said they made 205 arrests between June 8 and July 5. Almost $9,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered.
Officers carried out more than 1,100 visits to stores, while walking beats in the three areas.
Art Stannard, acting chief of the WPS, welcomed the funding extension.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Justice minister Matt Wiebe (right) shakes hands with WPS inspector Eric Luke following a retail-theft news conference at Bijou Park.
“At this time of year, our calls for service in the queue consistently exceed 200, which means our members are focused on responding to emergency calls for service,” he said in the news release. “This funding provides the opportunity for us to also focus on community-based policing and enhance our partnerships. Working together we can return the feeling of safety back to the community.”
chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca
Chris Kitching
Reporter
Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris.
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