Saskatoon Co-op brought their concerns about shoplifting to the attention of the Board of Police Commissioners.

CEO Gerald Hiebert wrote a letter to the board that was issued in early January saying “It appears that our concerns, have become less relevant and of less importance in the eyes of the Saskatoon Police Service.” Hiebert also mentioned that “Individuals are less fearful knowing there are no consequences” when it comes to shoplifting.

The board addressed the letter Thursday with Police Chief Troy Cooper saying he met with Hiebert earlier this month. Cooper shared with the board that the Co-op has been taking part in a program ran by the SPS titled “Cooperative Policing” which meets regularly with retailers to discuss any issues they may have.

The police chief adds going forward, the police service will be providing ulterior program training to Co-op security, which will then be evaluated after six months.

The Saskatoon Police Service responds in-person to each shoplifting incident when it’s in-progress or when someone is being held regardless of the amount that’s being stolen. The police service has also used analysts to examine offending patterns around the Co-op.

In the letter, Hiebert initially requested a meeting with the board, although it was noted in Thursday’s meeting that his concerns and questions have been answered and is no-longer seeking to meet with the police commissioners.

CJWW News reached out to Hiebert to see what specific incidents the Co-op is experiencing and if some stores are experiencing more problems than others, however Saskatoon Co-op didn’t reply to our request.