SASKATOON—Saskatoon Police Service Community Engagement Unit Sgt. Darrin Harvey has responded to a letter sent by a resident who expressed concern about the rising incidents of shoplifting and petty theft in stores located in some areas of the city.
Harvey assured Saskatoon resident Arnel Mendoza, a known member and regular volunteer in the Filipino community, that the SPS hears his concerns and understands what he is feeling at this time.
“I want to assure you that your concerns are heard, understood, and shared by those of us in public service. The frustration, fear, and helplessness that you described are very real. Like you, we see the rise in brazen retail theft and its growing impact,” said Harvey.
“The growing impact is not just on businesses, but on the very fabric of our community. What you witnessed and described happening at other major retailers is, unfortunately, a reflection of a broader societal trend that we are deeply concerned about.”
He added that the increased theft incidents may be due to shifts in societal attitudes, where, in many cases, those committing the crime are also victims because of poverty, trauma, mental health issues, and drug addiction.
“The reality is that many of the individuals involved in repeated theft and property crime fully understand the difference between right and wrong. However, due to increasing pressure from a vocal minority who frame criminal accountability as unjust or discriminatory, often invoking race or socio-economic status, our justice system and broader society have, in some cases, moved away from holding individuals accountable for their actions. This has created an environment where accountability is diminished, and those who play by the rules feel abandoned,” said Harvey.
“This lack of consequence and the growing normalization of theft are particularly devastating for small and mid-sized businesses. As you rightly pointed out, the ripple effect is significant: higher costs are passed on to honest consumers, store closures occur, job losses follow, and community trust erodes. It also puts employees and customers in vulnerable positions, witnessing crime while feeling powerless to intervene. It is not lost on us that behind every store is a business owner struggling to keep their doors open, and behind every till is a cashier trying to earn an honest wage.”
Harvey added that there is also a growing fear of speaking out, being unfairly labelled or misunderstood, and their silence contributes to the public's lack of trust in the city’s officials and institutions, such as the Saskatoon police.
“When people feel ignored or unsupported, it breeds resentment and hopelessness; if left unaddressed, it can lead to social instability. As your police service, we are committed to doing everything possible within our current capabilities. It’s essential to note that we respond to calls for service on a priority basis. At times, due to the time of day, the volume of higher-priority incidents, and the availability of resources, our response capabilities can be strained,” he said.
“This is not a reflection of a lack of concern; in fact, we are as frustrated when we are unable to respond as quickly or thoroughly as the situation warrants. Having more officers on the street would undoubtedly help in many areas, including prevention, visibility, and timely response. We continue to advocate for additional resources to serve the people of Saskatoon better. Please be assured that we, as your police service, share your values and concerns.”
He assured the public that the police service and other law enforcement institutions are committed to upholding the law, protecting the vulnerable members of the community, and restoring a sense of safety and accountability in the city, and also encouraged other residents to share and voice their concerns not only with local law enforcement but also with provincial and federal authorities, as well as elected officials, including those serving on the City Council.
“The more our community becomes aware and engaged, the greater the pressure will be to create policies that reflect the expectations of the majority, those who are respectful, law-abiding, and invested in the well-being of Saskatoon. We cannot allow lawlessness to become normalized. Your voice matters, and through the efforts of concerned citizens like you, change can begin,” Harvey ended.
