NSLC sees 60 per cent increase in theft across stores

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation says it’s seen a 60 per cent increase in theft compared to 2024.

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) says they’ve seen a 60 per cent increase in theft across all their retail stores compared to 2024.

It comes as two female suspects allegedly stole a $1,000 worth of liquor at an NSLC location in Elmsdale last week.

Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay, the public information officer for the Nova Scotia RCMP, says their success rate in catching shoplifters significantly increases when they have visual evidence.

Tremblay encourages the public to help when possible by obtaining pictures of suspects and/or their licence plates.

“If you can capture a photo of the person involved, that’s great. We do not recommend that you physically get involved. Oftentimes that could escalate things,” says Tremblay.

In an emailed statement, Terah McKinnon, senior communications advisor for NSLC, told CTV News on Monday the safety of their employees is a “top priority.”

“Our team members are trained to handle these situations by approaching suspected shoplifters, asking for ID, and offering help with payment, and are not encouraged to physically intervene,” McKinnon wrote in the statement.

Sandra Mullen, president for the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union, which represents NSLC workers, couldn’t confirm if that’s what members have been told.

“We don’t want out members to be put in a situation where they’re at risk unnecessarily. I’m going to have to get back to you on whether we’ve had that direction or not,” says Mullen.

She says there have long been concerns for the safety of NSLC workers.

“These stores are selling a product that a lot of people want and perhaps they can’t afford it. And the shoplifting has been an issue always,” she says.

NSLC says they have security teams in place to address these situations, including working alongside law enforcement when necessary.

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