Calgary business break-ins up 15 per cent: Police

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says the city has seen a 15 per cent increase in commercial break and enters compared to 2021.

CPS says cash and other valuables are being targeted at businesses including convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants.

“We know the community is concerned with these types of offences and we have been working with businesses to raise awareness of these issues and how we can prevent this type of crime,” said Const. Ashley Halliwell with the General Investigations Unit. “However, our efforts don’t stop there – we are working to investigate the break and enters reported to police to hold those offenders accountable.”

The news comes as CPS laid charges against two men believed to be connected to several recent break-ins.

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Police advise for business owners to follow these tips to avoid becoming a target of break-ins:

•       Place checkout counters near the front of the store, clearly visible from outside

•       Window signs should cover no more than 15 per cent of windows to provide clear visibility into and out of the store

•       Use shelving and displays no higher than five feet to help see who is in the store

•       Avoid creating outdoor spaces that encourage loitering and provide increased security

•       Install lighting in parking lots