Broken Windows and Broken Trust: The Impact of Rising Crime on Small Business.

This is the title of a report released during Small Business Week by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

It addresses the vandalism, theft, and lack of security business owners are currently dealing with across the country.

Tyler Slobogian, a Senior Policy Analyst with the CFIB says this rise in crime has affected how businesses are operating.

“They shift to appointment based only, locking their doors during business hours and leaving lights on overnight, which is obviously not cost effective and also deters your normal customers who want to come in during the day and feel safe around your business and they don’t come in as much anymore either.”

Slobogian says the CFIB was told 54 per cent of business owners consistently file police reports but only 33 per cent are satisfied with police responses.

Some instances of theft or vandalism were considered  - quote - “too small” for police to take action or response times could vary from hours to days.

Learn more about the impact of rising crime on small businesses. Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.