The LCBO is saying customers should not confront shoplifters after a fight between thieves and a shopper was caught on camera at a store in Etobicoke.
A video posted today on X, by @eclipsethis2003, shows at least two suspects apparently stealing a bunch of bottles from the store, while a customer intervenes to stop them.
The suspects and the customer are seen fighting near the entrance of the store and eventually heading outside to continue the altercation.
Other customers and employees are seen in the background watching the altercation unfold.
“Let him go sir, let him go,” one person is heard saying in the video.
In response to the video, the LCBO said no injuries were reported.
“We are working collaboratively with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable,” a spokesperson told Now Toronto.
“Theft is on the rise across the retail industry. Any theft is a concern, especially if it is brazen or a threat to safety,” they added.
The Crown Corporation shared that employees receive regular and mandatory training in theft detection, deterrence and reporting.
“This training focuses on personal safety, observation, and gathering information to support police investigations.”
It’s also urging customers “not to physically confront shoplifters.”
The video comes as stores across the country are dealing with a rise in retail thefts.
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And incidents of store robberies that involve some form of violence have increased 300 per cent over the past four years, according to the Retail Council of Canada (RCC).
Last December, the RCC cracked down on thefts by launching a national theft blitz in order to raise awareness.
