So far in 2023, Ottawa is following a trend from last year, where crime in Ottawa increased quite dramatically, mainly due to theft cases. Walmart is a frequent site of theft. There was a day last week they reported 8 separate incidents of theft to the Ottawa Police Department. It’s estimated that Walmart loses approximately $3 billion every year as a result of theft! Because of this, Walmart takes shoplifting very seriously. Police Chief Adam Weingartner says Walmart calls have increased due to increased security. He says the Ottawa Walmart has employed more Loss Prevention Associates that have one job, prevent people from leaving the store without paying. Along with those associates, dozens of cameras are tracking shoppers every move in the store. Even if a person is successful shoplifting at Walmart, they still can be tracked down and arrested using the surveillance videos and having police check and see if they recognize the person who is committing theft.
