SASKATOON BUSINESSES KEEP DOORS LOCKED DURING THE DAY DUE TO DANGEROUS CRIME WAVE

Police Advise 10+ Businesses On Single Avenue To Take Drastic Security Precautions

SASKATOON – Scott Moe and the Sask. Party are missing in action as business owners report being forced to keep their front doors locked — even during business hours — due to a wave of violent incidents against their staff and patrons.

The Saskatchewan NDP Official Opposition found at least 10 businesses on 2nd Avneue South alone with the same sign plastered on their front doors telling patrons to ring the doorbell as the front doors are locked. The sign goes on to say this is being done on the advice of the Saskatoon Police Service.
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“Crime is out of control in this city — and Scott Moe isn’t doing a damn thing to help,” said Hugh Gordon, Saskatchewan NDP Associate Shadow Minister for Corrections, Policing & Public Safety. “He makes announcements, cuts ribbons and then nothing happens while business owners struggle to stay in the black. Imagine just how difficult it is to run a retail store when you are literally locking the door to the outside world.
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“This is bad for our economy, bad for our community and crime is only continuing to get worse.”

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According to online reporting from Saskatoon Police, there were 10 assaults, four vehicle thefts and eight reported thefts under $5,000 in just 24 hours between Sunday and Monday. Recently released data reported 4,800 violent crime incidents total in Saskatoon last year, or more than 13 per day.

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Business owners speaking to the Official Opposition Monday reported high staff turnover due to violent incidents, including an employee at a store along 2nd Avenue North being attacked by a person armed with a machete.

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“We need to fight crime and take action to address the root causes as well,” Gordon said. “There is record homelessness in Saskatoon and a drug crisis that claims the lives of hundreds of people every year. All of these undermines public safety.

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“We need a government that will take real, concrete action to fight crime and help desperate people get the support they need. It’s time for change.”

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