BC Budget Tackles Crime – But Retail Expects More
March 11, 2025The BC budget, released on March 4, 2025, includes two actions in response to RCC’s advocacy—though funding to combat organized retail crime remains insufficient.
The government is committing $67 million over three years to community safety, including a new targeted enforcement pilot aimed at reducing robbery, theft, and property crime in downtowns and commercial areas. Additionally, funding for police training will increase, expanding annual capacity from 192 to 288 officers. This is important because police agencies regularly advise RCC that the number of new officers trained is an obstacle to having more police officers on the street.
RCC will meet with BC Minister of Public Safety Garry Begg this week to push for stronger action on retail crime.
Stay ahead of the conversation! Attend RCC’s Retail Secure Conference on March 19, 2025 in Toronto to explore industry-led solutions.
