Concerns about Plexiglas prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa
Inspections are underway at more than one Loblaws location in Ottawa after complaints were filed about tall Plexiglas barriers.
Loblaws says the Plexiglas barriers have been installed as part of its anti-theft measures.
"If somebody wants to steal something from a grocery store, they're going to steal it anyway," said shopper Gilles Lacasse. "I think it's a waste of money. They don't look nice. Almost like telling you not to go in there."
Some shoppers have safety concerns with the configuration of the barriers including the height and width—often spanning for a long stretch before any gaps by the entrance and exit.
In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, Loblaw writes that "using Plexiglas partitions is a proven, industry-wide way to prevent theft and keep a convenient, welcoming customer experience." The statement adds that the barriers are "fully compliant with all safety and regulatory plans.”
The Retail Council of Canada echoed concerns around rising theft.
“Retail theft has increased across all categories including food, apparel and footwear merchandise. Escalating inflation and a growing re-sale market for stolen goods are some of the contributors. But there is also an alarming trend of repeat offenders and people using violence to commit their crimes, along with an increase in organized retail crime groups," it said in a statement. "Theft is often thought of as a victimless crime, but it’s not. It costs Canadian retailers billions of dollars a year - costs that are borne by all consumers when they go shopping. In addition to being frustrated by financial losses, business owners are concerned for the safety of their customers and employees.”
Ottawa Fire Services confirms it is inspecting more than one location in the city.
"In this situation we would be assessing whether access to exits are being obstructed. And that is probably the main concern here," said Jeff Herlihey, assistant division chief with Ottawa Fire Service's prevention division.
“If a violation is found, with the requirements under the fire code, then we will address the deficiencies with the owner themselves. So, typically that's through an inspection order.”
Shopper Louis Doyle adds “it's definitely a barrier.”
"All in all, I think it's maybe justified and it's not a problem as far as I'm concerned. For me, personally, at least,” Doyle said.
Another shopper, Alex Richer adds that though there might be a reason for it, “it might not be all that necessary.”
"It's a shame in this day and age that that has to be there," said Heather Sawyer. "You know, that we prefer the way we used to be."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
BREAKING Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
P.E.I. and New Brunswick among most overworked provinces in Canada, study finds
A study says Prince Edward Island is the second most overworked province in Canada based on average weekly hours worked, while New Brunswick falls in third.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
OPINION Prince Harry: Press intrusion and the family rift explored in new doc
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has once again found himself at the centre of media attention following his recent interview as part of 'Tabloids on Trial,' an ITV documentary on phone hacking and tabloid intrusion.