New police initiative turning the tide on retail theft
WINDSOR POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE
New police initiative turning the tide on retail theft
A Windsor Police Service initiative targeting retail theft is delivering big results, netting 192 arrests since it began less than a year ago.
Responding to an increase in shoplifting incidents over recent years, the Windsor Police Service introduced a new initiative in July 2024 with the aim of curbing retail crime and better supporting affected businesses. At the heart of this strategy was the creation of a full-time retail theft coordinator to help streamline shoplifting investigations, track repeat offenders, and ensure businesses receive the support they need to deter future incidents.
This new position was bolstered by important improvements to our online crime reporting tool. The updates made it easier for retailers to continue to report store thefts through the online portal while allowing police to collect statistics more effectively and deploy resources where they are needed most.
Fewer thefts, safer stores
The anti-retail-theft initiative has had an immediate impact on the community. Since the launch of the initiative in 2024, Windsor Police solved a total of 528 shoplifting-related incidents – a 34% improvement over the previous year. Nearly 45% of the suspects charged in these cases were repeat offenders.
So far in 2025, the number of shoplifting incidents reported to police has dropped 33% over the same time last year.
“We recognize that retail theft has a tremendous impact on businesses and often leads to increased prices for customers and even violence against employees,” said Jason Crowley, Deputy Chief of Operations. “Through this initiative, we are strategically aligning our resources to improve clearance rates and more effectively target the repeat offenders responsible for a disproportionate number of these crimes.”
Increased compliance, stronger partnerships
The improved online crime reporting tool has made it easier for businesses to report shoplifting incidents, share details, and engage directly with police. This increased accessibility has led to a 95% reporting compliance rate from retailers – up from just 79% before the initiative launched.
Windsor Police have strengthened relationships with both the Retail Council of Canada and the local business community while working closely with other police services to target organized theft rings operating in various jurisdictions.
“Our retail theft strategy is making a tangible impact,” said Jennifer Crosby, Inspector of Patrol Support. “We’re identifying repeat offenders, supporting businesses, and dismantling criminal networks. This is about more than loss prevention, it’s about ensuring the safety of our community.”
Anyone with information regarding retail thefts or organized retail crime is asked to contact Windsor Police Service at 519-255-6700, ext. 4000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.