Yellowknife (July 21/06) - Keeping store thefts to a minimum for liquor store owners is no easy task, especially when constant vigilance is the best deterrent according to Ed Eggenberger.

"You need to watch people," said Eggenberger, manger of the downtown liquor store on 49th Street.

Ed Eggenberger, manager of the downtown liquor store, said people stealing liquor is a problem in Yellowknife, mostly due to people dealing with substance abuse issues. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

The manager said his staff notices merchandise missing all the time.

The store catches about four or five people a month, he said.

The Liquor Shop, located in Stanton Plaza off Old Airport Road, faces a similar problem.

"The amount of shrinkage is fairly constant," said manager Perry Smith, speaking about stolen merchandise.

It's honest shoppers who end up paying, said Smith.

"It gets built into the retail price and everybody else pays for it."

Neither store manager would say how much they lose on a monthly or yearly basis.

NWT Liquor Commission general manager Kyle Reid in Hay River said liquor stores have devised ways of minimizing theft.

"Stores have adapted certain techniques ... it's not a big problem," said Reid.

But Reid said there are certain items that thieves look for when they want free booze.

"Historically, it's handy items like mickeys. Forty ouncers don't walk out too often," he said.

The best time for shoplifters is during busy hours or long weekends when a lot of people are in the stores, said Reid.

Most times, it's a matter of whatever bottle can be shoved into a coat pocket, he said, speaking about what kinds of liquor are the most popular thefts.

Smith said liquor stores are a target because they sell expensive items.

"It's a fact of life for retail, any high value (item) is a target," he said.

Smith said his store has had problems with thieves who take orders on contracts.

"If you want an 18-volt portable drill, they'll go get you one. If you want a 60-ounce vodka, they get you one, too," said Smith.

He said the store is aware of certain people, and warns his staff if they are out of jail.

Eggenberger blames his shoplifting problem on people dealing with substance abuse.

"I think you'll find most are street people who want free liquor," said Eggenberger.

Const. Colleen Werrell said most of the people she's dealt with in these instances have a problem with drinking.

"It's because of substance abuse, there's not a whole lot of shoplifting in regular stores," she said.

She said she usually sees at least one shoplifting case a month, but said it could be much more prevalent depending if liquor store owners report shoplifters to the police.

Security expert Henry Pintkowsky, also president of Twilight Security Ltd., said cameras are the one of the best ways to deter thieves at any business.

That's because hiring permanent security staff can be costly.

"In the long term, it tends to be expensive," he said.

Both stores have security features like cameras. Neither would go into detail.

Eggenberger said as long as the number of people with drinking problems goes up, so too will thefts at his store.