Timmins police chief concerned about shoplifting, general 'lawlessness'

Timmins Police Chief Sydney Lecky is meeting with members of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce next month and one of the main topics will be the rise in shoplifting.

Lecky said in his six months of leading the service, one message that he has heard loud and clear is about the state of lawlessness in the city.

Timmins Police Chief Sydney Lecky said shoplifting increased by 50 per cent from 2022 to 2023. (Photo from video)

The chief said officers are also frustrated that the people they arrest are quickly released, only to offend again and again.

He shared a recent incident that happened at the Cram-A-Cruiser event in October.

"We are there with police lights flashing in front of a grocery store, we have a young fellow that walks inside and walks out the door with a 30-pack of beer," said Lecky.

"Pretty gutsy."

In a letter to local business organizations, the chief said shoplifting in Timmins increased by 50 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

"So my message here is that feeling of lawlessness. It is pervasive around the community and it's frustrating for the police officers that have to attend and to arrest the same individual repeatedly and so there's got to be a better way."

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The chamber invited the chief to speak at a Leader's Breakfast on Dec. 3 at the McIntrye Community Centre.

Chamber president Tom Faught Jr. told CTV News that members want to know what the new chief’s priorities are relating to petty crime, theft and vandalism.

The chief said a plan is already in place and he will share details with the group at the breakfast session.

"An enforcement process and engagement process in the downtown with some of our clients and our vulnerable clients," Lecky said.

"But also our business community, making sure that they know and see and hear us the some of our, our grocery stores and retail stores to let them know our presence and to know that we're there. And it's already showing some great results."

Lecky said he’s also counting on organizations like the chamber to help him lobby for federal bail reform.

Three weeks ago, the province called on the Liberal government to immediately adopt measures to enhance public safety such as mandating a three-strike rule requiring pre-trial detention for repeat offenders.