A shopper carries bags in Pittsburgh on June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government will fund 12 city police officers to patrol businesses this holiday season to combat retail theft.
The officers will begin their patrols next month to provide a visible presence and engage with the community in specified areas. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe says the use of overtime for focused enforcement and crime prevention will continue.
“Over the summer, people in the Exchange District, Osborne Village, the West End and other parts of the city have said they feel safer,” said Wiebe. “We look forward to maintaining that momentum throughout the holiday season.”
Related initiatives include nearly $1.5 million from the Manitoba government, mayor’s office and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ for the Downtown Community Safety Partnership and development of a voluntary safe sobering centre at N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place at 190 Disraeli Fwy.
The province provided $1.9 million in support over the summer and fall to support an increased police presence in areas identified by the WPS.
