Commercial retailers across British Columbia have grappled with a surge in criminal activities, ranging from theft and vandalism to break-ins and shoplifting. A poll conducted in the region revealed that nearly half of the businesses have directly or indirectly experienced crime, showing clearly the security challenges faced by the retail sector. Emily Boston, spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, pointed out that waste, litter, vandalism, breaking and entering, theft, and shoplifting as the most prevalent issues encountered by businesses in British Columbia.