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The Impact of Rising Violent Gun Crime Rates on Canada’s Jewellery Industry

January 31, 2024

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Side view of young businessman drinking coffee an checking social media on mobile phone.

In 2022, Canada witnessed an 8.9% upsurge in its violent gun crime rate, marking the highest level recorded since the initiation of statistical tracking in 2009. Despite this national increase, Quebec maintained a rate below the Canadian average, with 36.7 incidents per 100,000 people noted across the country.

The surge in violent gun crime rates was particularly pronounced in Ontario, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, which reported increases of 24%, 24%, and 12%, respectively. Conversely, Quebec saw a slight decrease of 1.3%, positioning it with a relatively lower rate of 24.8 incidents per 100,000 people, only surpassed by Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador in terms of safety.

This trend reflects a broader pattern of rising violent gun crime since 2013. Quebec experienced a peak in such incidents between 2009 and 2011, followed by a decline until a resurgence in 2021. New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, along with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, reported particularly high rates, underscoring the geographical variance in gun crime across Canada.

Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver also faced significant changes in their rates of violent gun crime, highlighting urban centers as focal points for such incidents. Unlike general violent crime, which predominantly affects women, violent gun crime in 2022 disproportionately targeted men, constituting 66% of the victims.

Reflection on the Jewellery Industry:

The jewellery industry, often seen as a victim of crime, is directly impacted by the trends in violent gun crimes. The increase in such crimes can lead to heightened security concerns and operational costs for jewellery businesses, especially in areas with significant surges like Ontario, New Brunswick, and British Columbia. Retailers may need to invest more in security measures, insurance, and staff training to mitigate risks, potentially affecting their pricing and customer service practices.

Moreover, the geographical disparities in crime rates could influence the location decisions of jewellery stores, with businesses possibly preferring areas with lower rates of violent gun crime. This could impact the distribution of jewellery stores across Canada, concentrating them in perceived safer regions.

Furthermore, the fact that violent gun crimes predominantly target men might influence the marketing and design strategies of jewellery businesses, as they adapt to cater to a consumer base that is increasingly aware of personal safety. The industry might also see a rise in demand for discreet and secure ways to transport and store valuable items.

Overall, the rise in violent gun crime in Canada not only underscores the need for enhanced security and precautionary measures within our industry but also highlights the potential for long-term shifts in business operations, customer engagement, and market dynamics.

In recent months, Canada has witnessed several notable jewellery store crimes, reflecting a broader concern regarding the security challenges faced by high-value retailers. Here’s a summary of some incidents:

Brampton, Ontario: In December 2023, a group of suspects armed with hammers was reported smashing display cases and stealing jewellery at the Bramalea City Centre. This smash-and-grab robbery prompted a swift response from Peel Regional Police, leading to the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect from Toronto, with charges including robbery and possession of stolen property.

Brampton, Ontario: Another attempted robbery was reported in April 2023, where five men, allegedly armed with firearms and other weapons, attempted to break into a jewellery store. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle without licence plates, leading to minor injuries for one victim. Subsequent police investigations resulted in the arrest and charging of the suspects with a combined 53 offences, including possession of firearms and stolen property.

Toronto, Ontario: A violent robbery at a Rexdale jewellery store was captured on camera, where suspects made off with $750,000 worth of stolen goods. This incident highlighted the significant financial impact such crimes can have on businesses.

Calgary, Alberta: A jewellery store in Calgary’s Chinatown experienced a robbery where suspects released an unknown chemical agent, smashed display cases, and escaped with an undetermined amount of jewellery. This incident underscored the brazen nature of some crimes and the risks posed to staff and customers.

Victoria, British Columbia: A violent robbery at a Victoria jewellery store was also caught on camera, showcasing a suspect using a hammer to smash display cases and steal jewellery, including an expensive watch. The incident led to an active search for the suspect, emphasizing the community and police efforts to address such crimes.

Windsor, Ontario: An attempted robbery at a Windsor jewellery store was reported, highlighting the ongoing threat of such crimes across various Canadian cities. The details of this incident further reflect the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing and responding to these offences.

These incidents across Canada highlight the significant challenges jewellery stores face in terms of security and loss prevention. They underscore the importance of robust security measures, including surveillance and emergency response protocols, to deter potential criminals and protect valuable assets.