Kent MacDonald, the owner of a private security company, has praised the actions of the security guard involved, calling them “worthy of recognition.”
“Security work is often a thankless job,” MacDonald explains. “People tend to view security guards as the ‘fun police’ or just as obstacles, rather than acknowledging the role they play.”
He adds that incidents like this are more common than many people realize.
“There was a time when simply wearing a security uniform was enough to deter trouble,” he recalls. “But the times have changed, and so has the level of danger those working in security face.”
MacDonald highlights the risks involved for security personnel. “It’s not just about protecting themselves, it’s about protecting the person they’re detaining. Once you apprehend someone, you’re responsible for them. No exceptions,” he emphasizes.
Experts note that retail crime continues to be an overlooked issue, with far-reaching consequences for businesses of all sizes.
Bruce Winder, a retail analyst based in Toronto, stresses the financial impact on small businesses. “It’s devastating for small businesses. People might think insurance covers the losses, but their insurance premiums increase significantly,” Winder explains.
He believes governments must take stronger action to address the problem. “The current laws aren’t effective. Perhaps the penalties are too lenient, or the sentences aren’t long enough,” he says. “Ultimately, consumers end up paying the price, as it gets passed on to retail prices.”
The Halifax police have confirmed that their investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
