Hardware stores are increasingly being robbed

One effect of the rising cost of living is an increase in thefts from hardware stores.

Moreover, a survey conducted by the Quebec Association of Hardware and Building Materials (AQMAT) showed that 68% of employers have noticed an increase in theft in their stores.

There is a competition between interest rates and inflation that drives some people to steal. There are two kinds of people, there are people out of necessity who can’t make ends meet. They won’t rob the whole store, but if they miss a piece, they’ll open the boxes and there are professional thieves,” says Richard Darveaux, president of AQMAT.

A phenomenon that will only grow since it is easy to resell products thanks to the platforms on the web.

“Since the arrival of resale platforms like Marketplaces, there are people using them to sell new items. That is true in itself, but the buyer has to be more vigilant not to be complicit in the theft,” he says.

To avoid buying stolen products, Chief recommends requesting proof of purchase from resale sites.

This new survey also reveals that employees are involved in a third of shoplifting.

According to the president, employers are playing with fire because of the economic context.

The real culprits are the employers because they let the coyote into the barn. With this job crisis, anyone who appears with a CV, we are ready to accept it and we should not, ”confirms Mr. Darfo.