Shopping cart theft in North Bay: ‘They're stealing in the middle of the night’

Police cracking down on shopping cart thefts North Bay police say they have heard from frustrated business owners and grocery chains about the theft of shopping carts.

North Bay police are cracking down on shopping cart thefts that have become a chronic problem in the city.

Lori Laporte, owner of Laporte's Nursery & Greenhouses Inc., said she is having trouble with cart theft.

"I have cameras everywhere. They're stealing in the middle of the night,” Laporte said.

“By the time I get here, they're gone."

This summer, three of her large tree carts worth about $2,000 were taken away. Because of the thefts, Laporte has no choice but to lock up her carts each night.

"We are a small family-run business, seasonal business. So you know, we're not rich people,” she sighed.

The nursery is not the only business hit by shopping cart thieves. Grocery stores and other businesses CTV News spoke with have said it's been a real problem.

In the past several months, police have worked with businesses and grocery chains to find and return a number of stolen carts.

Lori Laporte Lori Laporte, owner of Laporte's Nursery & Greenhouses Inc. in North Bay, said she is having trouble with cart theft. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

“Lately, and I would say probably in excess of more than 30 shopping carts are from the unsheltered population,” said police Insp. Jeff Warner.

Shopping cart thefts cost businesses thousands of dollars a year. North Bay police said they will continue to work with merchants to get information about shopping cart thefts as they happen.

“The police are doing what they can. The problem has been there's been no consequences for people,” said Laporte.

'THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES'

“Now with them cracking down, there will be consequences."

Anyone in possession of stolen shopping carts could be charged with possession of stolen property and theft under $5,000.

"Members of the North Bay Police Service are acting with discretion and within their authority as police officers to return stolen property to its rightful owner and hold those who steal shopping carts accountable,” said Warner.

“If the person is unsheltered or homeless and using it to move their belongings around, they may not necessarily get charged.”

But, Warner said officers have the option of “recovering the stolen property and returning it."

Police also remind business owners who purchase shopping carts second-hand to ensure that the seller is the cart’s rightful owner.

Buying stolen carts can put the buyer at risk of facing possession of stolen property charges.