Small business owners in Regina are facing continued financial strain from break-ins and shoplifting, even as overall city crime statistics show signs of improvement. While recent data indicates a decline in the city’s crime severity, local enterprises report that the daily reality of retail theft and vandalism remains a significant hurdle.
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 51% of small businesses in Saskatchewan were directly impacted by crime in 2024, a figure that more than doubled from 25% the previous year. On average, these businesses have spent $5,000 over the last three years to cover the costs of stolen goods, security upgrades, and repairs for damages caused by vandalism or break-ins.
This persistent threat to storefronts comes as local authorities manage ongoing criminal activity. The Regina Police Service continues to pursue multiple investigations into retail thefts and robberies, noting an uptick in shoplifting cases involving goods valued at $5,000 or less. While the city’s crime severity index dropped by 11% in 2024, Saskatchewan maintains the highest crime severity index among all provinces in Canada, with a 2024 rating of 153.9.
In addition to these security challenges, downtown retailers are contending with the latest phase of the City of Regina 11th Avenue Revitalization Project. The construction, which is in its fourth year, resumed on April 6, 2026, and involves sidewalk replacements that limit access to storefronts along the corridor.
To help mitigate these combined pressures, the federation is calling on the provincial government to launch a security rebate program. Such a move would be intended to help business owners offset the mounting costs associated with installing security equipment and repairing properties damaged by crime.
