Crime remains a daily pressure for Newfoundland and Labrador small businesses

New data shows rising shoplifting rate, deepening safety concerns and growing pressure on small businesses across Canada

St. John’s, April 8, 2026 - Half (50%) of Canadian small business owners report that crime has increased in their community over the past year, while only 2% report a decline, according to the latest research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

The findings align with national crime data. Police‑reported shoplifting of $5,000 or under rose 14% in 2024 compared to 2023, marking the fourth consecutive annual increase and a 66% surge since 2014. Together, Statistics Canada data and CFIB research paint a clear picture: Main Street is facing sustained pressure from crime. 

“Business owners are being pushed to the brink, forced to focus more on protecting their property than actually operating their businesses. The financial burden and stress are overwhelming. There’s an urgent need for governments to step up with stronger measures for repeat and organized crime, more efficient reporting systems, quicker police response times, and meaningful supports that help prevent crime and aid recovery,” said Jonathan Galgay, Director of Legislative Affairs. “Many owners are pouring thousands into security upgrades and repairs, and some say the current wave of crime feels even more challenging than the pandemic.”

Nearly half of business owners also report concerns about their own safety, and the safety of their staff and their customers. Many have resorted to changing their operations, from locking doors during business hours to implementing buddy systems, and limiting shifts where employees work alone.

“Small businesses are community builders, they live locally, hire locally and want strong, welcoming streets,” added Galgay. “But many owners are burnt out and worried about safety, feeling like they’re carrying the burden alone. Governments need to move beyond talk and deliver changes that business owners can actually feel on the ground.”

CFIB is calling on all levels of government to:

• Follow through with meaningful Criminal Code changes to better address repeat and organized crime.
• Set service standards to improve law enforcement response time when business owners report a crime, such as introducing faster and more streamlined police reporting processes with consistent follow up.
• Invest in practical supports, such as security rebates, to help small businesses prevent and recover from incidents while longer-term solutions are developed.
• Ensure small businesses have a seat at the policy discussion table, as their experience is essential to developing effective policy.

“Feeling safe shouldn’t be a luxury for small business owners,” Galgay concluded. “When entrepreneurs are constantly worrying about repeat incidents, it’s clear the system isn’t working the way it should.”

With Canada seeing more business closures than openings, crime is one more pressure pushing people away from running a business. “Governments must act decisively and prioritize community safety to restore confidence on Main Street.”

For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:

Jonathan Galgay
Director of Legislative Affairs, Newfoundland and Labrador
709-743-6069
Jonathan.galgay@cfib.ca

Methodology

CFIB’s October survey findings are based on 2,899 responses from a stratified random sample of CFIB members, to a controlled-access web survey. Data reflects responses received from October 9-24, 2025. Findings are statistically accurate to +/- 1.82 per cent, 19 times in 20.

About CFIB

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members across every industry and region, including 1,700 in Newfoundland and Labrador. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.