SASKATOON—Arnel Mendoza, a member of the local Filipino community, has raised concerns about the safety of businesses and residents on the west side of the city, writing a letter to Mayor Cynthia Block and the Saskatoon Police Service.
Mendoza, in his letter to Block, said he is presenting his perspective on the issue as a concerned citizen of the city, since, like all immigrants who came to Canada seeking a better life, he also wanted to live in a safer community.
However, his recent experiences had left him worried about the city’s future if the rising incidents continue. He cited one example when he went to a store on Betts Avenue to buy bamboo poles, where he heard the cashier talking to another person.
“I was waiting in line when I overheard a woman speaking to the cashier, visibly upset. She shared how just the day before, she witnessed thieves filling large bags with merchandise and simply walking out without paying,” Mendoza wrote in his letter.
“That same day, it happened again—the same individuals brazenly taking whatever they wanted and leaving without consequence. The cashier confided that such thefts have become a daily occurrence.”
He was saddened that petty criminals continue to walk freely, as he witnessed similar incidents of theft in other major stores in the city. In contrast, hardworking and law-abiding residents continue to stretch every centavo of their hard-earned money to face the rising cost of living.
“It is frustrating and frightening to see lawlessness becoming so widespread. Businesses are struggling to survive, paying rent, utilities, wages, and other costs. When they lose merchandise to theft, the impact trickles down to customers through higher prices,” added Mendoza.
“Honest citizens end up paying the price for these losses. If businesses continue to face this lawlessness every day, many may be forced to close, resulting in job losses and reduced tax revenues for our city government. A damaging ripple effect throughout our community.”
SaskToday reached out to the Mayor’s Office for comment, but they have yet to respond as of posting time.
SPS, through Pubic Relations and Strategic Communications Manager Kelsie Fraser, said the police service understands the concerns and frustration of citizens like Mendoza on the increasing incidents of theft in the city.
“While not every incident may be reported, we encourage businesses and citizens to continue reporting all crimes and suspicious activity. These help us identify patterns, target resources more effectively, and support our ongoing work with community partners,” said Fraser.
“Through initiatives like Project SHIELD, we are working closely with retailers to target repeat offenders and improve safety in high-theft areas. The SPS remains committed to ensuring our city is safe and welcoming for all residents.”
The SPS has completed two two-day retail blitz operations on Confederation Drive, on May 7 and 8, and May 21 and 22, where officers conducted an overt operation called Project Shield around businesses that have been experiencing an increase in crime.
Their operation resulted in 22 arrests, 15 of whom are considered repeat or violent offenders, and seized three weapons, while 19 charges were laid, and over $1,500 worth of stolen items were recovered. The operation earned a positive response from businesses and residents.
