The new security measures being used by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries to help curb theft are working.
Since the measures were announced in March there has been a 23% decrease in theft and robbery incidents at Liquor Marts across the province.
Liquor and Lotteries President Peter Hak said that while these results are still early, there is a reason to be optimistic due to the upward trend. He also said the added security has resulted in a 20% increase in the number of arrests and a 55% reduction in costs to Liquor Marts due to bottle theft in all stores.
Several of the security tactics being used include the use of bottle locks and alarm pedestals, dummy bottles, video displays at entrances, exit turnstiles, staff only access to high-value bottles, and the creation of a Loss Prevention team.
In 2017, there were approximately 658 thefts in Manitoba Liquor Marts reported to Winnipeg police. In 2018, the number jumped to 2,602 — a spike of nearly 300 percent.
The corporation lost roughly $800,000 worth of product last year.
Hak said that not all measures have been implemented yet as MLL continues to evaluate the impact of each deterrent, but additional measures will be introduced soon.
