Frequent burglaries taking place at York Region Chinese restaurants in recent years have caused headaches for many business owners.
ARE CHINESE RESTAURANTS BEING SPECIFICALLY TARGETED?
Multiple commercial break and enters took place at restaurants in Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan in January and February, where cash was stolen and doors and windows were damaged.
Some owners said they felt like Chinese restaurants were being targeted, as Ben Leung described: “For example, on Jan. 12, seven stores with Chinese signs were broken into, in the same plaza (Warden Avenue and Steeles Avenue E area). Those without Chinese characters were spared.”
Leung is the vice-president of Richmond Hill & Markham Chinese Business Association, leading a consortium of business owners seeking solutions after the series of break-ins.
However, the York Regional Police said they do not believe the incidents were targeting Chinese businesses specifically. In an email response, Const. Laura Nicolle stated that police have charged a 49-year-old man in connection with 14 break and enters over the past two months and that there was no evidence of these incidents being bias or hate motivated.
“There was a variety of restaurants that were broken into, not only one type. Commercial break and enters are typically motivated only by suspects looking to get as much cash as they can as quickly as they can,” she said.
IS POLICE ADVICE HELPFUL?
According to the affected business owners, the police have offered some well-worn advice regarding break and enters when they first reported the incidents: call the police immediately; take defensive measures, such as installing cameras and keeping lights on; and put away valuables when closing.
In fact, many owners said they are already numb to the frequent burglaries, as many of the incidents occurred after deliberately installed anti-theft films and tempered glass doors failed to stop thieves from breaking in. And they often no longer report these incidents, thinking it won't make a difference other than delaying their regular operations.
But Nicolle reiterated the necessity of calling to report a break and enter. “In this case, our officers’ dedication shows in the successful result of the investigation with the arrest made and the charges laid.”
As for the “not leaving cash” theory, Leung confirms there are stereotypes about Chinese restaurants always having a lot of cash. However, is accepting cash as a form of payment the original sin that leads to break-ins? Some businesses from Leung’s association argue that such advice is akin to “blaming the victims wearing revealing clothing for being sexually abused.”
Nicolle insisted the more difficult or less profitable a break-in is, the less likely it is that the business will be targeted. Suggestions and tips are available for those who want to take some steps to reduce the risk. “We are not remotely implying a victim is to blame,” she said.
ARE FREQUENTLY SMASHED GLASS AND DOORS AMONG THE COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS IN MARKHAM?
Some businesspeople and potential investors within the consortium consider smashed glass and doors, as well as stolen cash and equipment, among the costs of doing business in Markham. They are afraid the city is becoming less and less friendly to small businesses.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti disagrees with this opinion, emphasizing the city is safe, having recently been voted the second safest city in Canada.
“Cooperation and communication is always key to building a safer community and hope we can all continue to work together to ensure the safety of residents and businesses,” says Markham Councillor Isa Lee.
Nicolle said York Regional Police relies on a partnership with citizens and encourage them to take any steps they can to make it difficult for criminals to target them. “We have increased patrols in areas where incidents of crime are occurring, but there are not enough officers to have someone in front of every business at all times.”
Scarlett Liu is a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative reporter at the Economist & Sun
