Your retailers are screaming about crime, but the numbers say what?
Good morning from the Fundy shore — the tide's turning, and so is New Brunswick. Let's get into it.
I'll tell you what, there’s a real head-scratcher brewing uptown and on the waterfront here in Saint John that just doesn't sit right with me, right? Our city councillors are hearing it from local businesses – everything from the shops on King Street down to the boutiques near the Market Square – that crime is on the rise. They’re saying shoplifting, vandalism, all of it. But then you look at the statistics, and the police are reporting that crime is actually *declining*. Now, I’ve seen some fog roll in off the Bay that was less confusing than this.
### The Numbers Game
This isn’t just a difference of opinion; it's a chasm, and it matters for folks trying to run a business in this city. Retailers are talking about tangible losses, frustrated staff, and a feeling that things are getting tougher out there. They're seeing it on their balance sheets and in the daily grind. But the official numbers from the Saint John Police Force suggest a different reality. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a disconnect between what people are experiencing on the ground and what the data shows, but it feels particularly sharp right now when you think about how hard these small businesses work.
* **Retailers' Perspective:** Increased shoplifting, property damage, and a general feeling of insecurity. * **Police Statistics:** Indicate a decrease in overall crime rates in Saint John. * **The Disconnect:** Creates confusion and distrust between the business community and law enforcement.
So, what’s the real story for those of us walking along Water Street, grabbing a coffee at the City Market, or trying to make a living in Saint John? Is it a matter of under-reporting by businesses, or are the statistics not capturing the full picture of petty crime that wears down small operations? Whatever it is, our business owners deserve to feel safe and supported, and right now, many of them just aren't.
You know, the crew on the morning show are always digging into this kind of thing – you can catch 'em live, right, at mornings.live.