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Toronto Crime Stoppers launches organized retail crime awareness campaign

Jan. 11, 2023, Toronto, Ont. – Toronto Crime Stoppers was joined by Toronto Police Chief of Police Myron Demkiw and corporate partners at Toronto Police Headquarters to launch Phase 2 of the Organized Retail Crime Awareness Campaign.

Toronto Crime Stoppers Coordinator, Det. Marc Madramootoo, hosted the event, with remarks by Chief of Police Myron Demkiw, Toronto Crime Stoppers Chair – Sean Sportun and Rui Rodrigues – Executive Advisor Retail Council of Canada.

The objective of the initiative is straightforward: create awareness within the community on the growing issue of retail theft and remind citizens to report individuals involved in this criminal activity anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

“Organized retail theft is often perceived as harmless shoplifting, when in fact, it’s a lucrative, criminal enterprise and part of the business plan for gangs funding other illegal activities,” says Sean Sportun, Chair, Toronto Crime Stoppers. “This proactive approach to create awareness in partnership with our retail partners and the Toronto Police Service is a testament to improving the safety of the community we serve which empowers a movement of a crime free Toronto”.

Chief Demkiw added, “The Toronto Police Service is committed to supporting Toronto Crime Stoppers and we will continue efforts to improve community safety by raising awareness about organized retail crime – and the ways to report criminal activity. Community safety is a shared responsibility and we encourage everyone to work together to help deter criminal activity and improve public safety by reporting these crimes anonymously to Crime Stoppers.”