(Opinion) Evan Saugstad: Theft, thieves and thievery – is enough being done on this scourge?

Theft, a scourge the world could do without.  Can you imagine a world where nothing is ever taken without permission?  A world where you would not need to own locks, purchase theft insurance or hide your property away in fear someone else will use their five-finger discount and take it for themselves?

I grew up in a world where most of this was true.  Yes, we had locks, but didn’t routinely lock the door at night or when away for the day. We routinely left vehicle doors unlocked and keys in the ignition, and tools and other items of value in open sheds. Paying for theft insurance was not considered a necessity.

Contrast that with today.

Lock the front door, even when in the back yard; automatically lock the car whenever parked; don’t leave anything of value in plain sight; install home and business security systems; insure everything for theft; get security guards.

Part of the impetuous to write this was that a good friend had his ‘place’ broken into over this past winter and most everything of value was stolen.  Tractor, quads, generators, power and hand tools, guns, etcetera, all taken while he was away and out of the country.  The estimated replacement value exceeds $200,000.

His place is rural, off-grid (not hooked up to BC Hydro) and not near any neighbors who can keep ‘an eye’ on his property on a perpetual basis. It is also in a place and situation where insurance premiums are either unavailable or so high as to be unaffordable, as he has not spent thousands to so-called “protect” and “thief-proof” the site.

We have all heard the refrain that the onus is on us, that we need to protect ourselves, and that there is nothing we can physically do to stop the thieves even if you catch them red-handed. Or, if confronted, just give the thieves what they want, as our laws seem to be written to favour the thief and not the victim.  In Canada about all one seems to be able to do is say “please don’t take my stuff” and when they don’t give it back, trust the system will help you but recognize it will seldom be about making you whole. 

I do know my friend has a very different view of thieves and theft protection.  In a heartbeat, and if he was in charge, he would pass laws commonly referred to as the ‘castle doctrine’. This is where one has the right to defend their property, be it in a vehicle, home or business, up to and including the use of deadly force, and that one does not need to retreat when threatened by thieves. Texas has such laws, and even though they have strict penalties for theft, it ranks second to drug offences for number of crimes committed in Texas.

He would also bring back laws allowing for the corporal punishment that some other countries use as a deterrent and punishment for crimes such as theft.  Singapore has such laws and has very low rates of theft.

What is the answer?  Should Canada treat thieves for the scourge they are and implement real deterrents that are not the sole responsibility of the property owner (some call this regression) or should Canada continue as we are and hope you never become the thieves’ target?

At the end of this article is a list of convicted thieves and the associated penalties in northeast BC as reported by Energeticcity.ca in its court reports for the period October 2024 – March 2025.  I make no claim this is a complete list. The court reports cover the Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson courts with a combined population of about 75,000.  

To put things into perspective, how much do you spend every year to:

• replace stolen property?
• purchase anti-theft products?
• buy insurance so when your property disappears down the road, someone else pays for you to replace it?
• hire security staff to patrol your property and premises?

My guess is the average Canadian vehicle and homeowner spends in the thousands every year. Business owners much more.

It is reported that car owners in Ontario pay an average $130 per vehicle per year more due to auto theft alone. According to Google AI, the Retail Council of Canada reports retailers lost $9.1 billion to theft in 2024, an increase of $5 billion since 2018. 

Would you vote for someone if they promised to rid (or almost rid) Canada of property theft?

As I write this during our federal election, only one party is currently talking about crime in Canada and the need for it to be addressed (hint, it isn’t Carney and the Liberal track record on crime is not pretty).

Did you know that crime in Canada is measured by the Crime Severity Index (CSI)? Here are some figures, rounded to the nearest whole digit:

• 1998 – the CSI for all crime was 119.
• 2006 – 100 (first year of Steven Harper and federal Conservatives in power).
• 2014 – 67 (last full year of Steven Harper as prime minister).
• 2015 – 70 (Prime minister Justin’s first year in office).
• 2020 – 74.
• 2023 – 80 (the latest report and Liberals still in control).

Violent crime showed similar numbers and trends: 

• 1998 – 98. 
• 2014 – 71. 
• 2015 – 75. 
• 2023 – 99.

Non-violent crime followed suit: 

• 1998 – 127. 
• 2014 – 65. 
• 2015 – 68. 
• 2023 – 74.   

Do you think there are places in this world where theft is viewed as a rarity? Yes, there are, but Canada is not one. Here are some data, according to Google AI:

• Iceland has a very low crime rate, including theft, and is considered one of the safest countries in the world. While theft does occur, it’s considered a low-level crime compared to other countries. In 2021, there were 3,800 thefts committed in Iceland. That’s 1,316 thefts per 100,000 people. 
• Singapore has a very low crime rate, consistently ranking as one of the safest countries in the world, with petty crimes like pickpocketing and street theft rare, and violent crime extremely uncommon.  In 2023, the overall crime rate was 1,188 per 100,000 population, the number of theft and related crimes committed was 145 per 100,000 and the number of housebreaking and related crimes committed was three per 100,000. 
• Canada’s property crime rate in 2023 was 3,391.58 per 100,000 residents, with a reported motor vehicle theft rate of 286.46 per 100,000.  Number of property crimes: 1.36 million.

Why the differences?

Iceland: Maybe not so coincidentally, Iceland is also considered one of the ‘happiest’ countries in the world. Iceland ranked fourth in 2020 and third in the world in 2025.

• The country’s social welfare system, excellent education and focus on equality create a strong sense of wellbeing. When people are happy and well-supported, crime tends to be low, which is exactly what you’ll find in Iceland. Iceland also boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world. (Wikipedia, August 30th, 2024)
• Murder rates are among the lowest in Europe and the world. In 2021, only two people were killed on the island. In 2019 the murder rate was about 0.3 murders per 100,000 people. Iceland’s small population and relatively homogeneous society contribute to its low crime rates. (Google AI)
• Iceland’s police force is unarmed, and the only officers permitted to carry firearms are on a special force called the Viking Squad, and they are seldom called out (many citizens own guns for hunting and for predator control on their farms). (Google AI)
• Drug use in Iceland is low, and there are, comparatively speaking, few hard drugs in Iceland. (Google AI)
• It’s common for parents to leave their babies napping in a stroller outside, as no one worries about someone stealing their baby. (Google AI)

Singapore: It is considered the second-highest scoring ‘happy’ country in Asia in 2025. Singapore ranked 31^st in 2020 and 34^th in the world in 2025. According to Google AI:

• It boasts a remarkably low crime rate due to a combination of factors, including strict laws, swift and impartial law enforcement, a strong sense of community and a sophisticated surveillance system.
• A reputation for strict laws and harsh punishments, even for seemingly minor offences, which acts as a strong deterrent to potential criminals. (Evan – harsh, or as I would call ‘just’, punishments include death penalties for many drug offences and caning for some crimes such as theft.) 
• The police force is known for its efficiency and impartiality, ensuring laws are enforced fairly and quickly.
• A strong sense of community and a culture of safety and security also contributes to the low crime rate.
• Has a sophisticated surveillance system, with cameras covering public spaces, which helps to deter crime and aids in investigations.
• Scores well in international rankings for low levels of corruption.
• Invests heavily in education and provides ample economic opportunities, which can reduce the likelihood of individuals resorting to crime.
• Has implemented various measures, including the ScamShield app and collaborating with law enforcement agencies, to combat scams and cybercrimes. 

Canada: It was considered the 11^th highest scoring “happy” country in the world in 2020, dropping to 18^th in 2025. Canada was fifth in 2015 during the last year of PM Harper’s reign. Here are some selected references on Wikipedia from April 1st, 2025:

• “According to Statistics Canada, overall crime in Canada had been steadily declining since the late 1990s as measured by the Crime Severity Index (CSI) and the Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI), with a more recent uptick since an all-time low in 2014. Both measures of crime saw an 8 per cent to 10 per cent decrease between 2010 and 2018. Violent crime, specifically homicide, has declined in Canada by over 40 per cent since its peak in 1975, placing Canada 95th in the world by homicide rate—far worse than Australia, England, France and Ireland, and relatively close to poorer European countries. It is tied for first in the Americas with Chile (homicide rates are 2.7 times lower than in the United States).”
• “More current crimes that are increasing include drug-related offences, fraud, sexual assault and theft, with fraud increasing 46 per cent between 2008 and 2018.  The Crime Severity Index (CSI) in Canada rose by 2 per cent in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of increase and the continuation of a trend that began in 2015.”
• “According to the Institute for Economics and Peace Global Peace Index, Canada is ranked the 11th safest country in the world out of 163 countries.”

While officially Statistics Canada says the crime severity index was up just 2 per cent (2022 to 2023, the last report), the Conservatives were quick to point to the raw data to tell a different story since the Liberals took office nine years ago.

As written by Brian Lilley in the Toronto Sun: “In 2015, there were 382,115 violent crimes reported to police across the country, but in 2023 there were 572,572. That’s an increase of 49.84%, or 50% if we round up, since the Trudeau Liberals took office.

“On the homicide front, there were 609 counted by police in 2015 but 778 in 2023 – a 27.75% increase. The total number of homicides since Trudeau took office has never been as low at 609 and last year was at 882 or a 45% increase during the Trudeau years.

“Auto theft is up 46%, sexual assaults up 75%, violent firearms offences up 116% and extortion up by 357%.” 

Michael Higgins wrote in the National Post in August last year: “Shoplifting increased 18 per cent in 2023 (from 2022), with 155,280 reported incidents, according to Statistics Canada. And that increase built on 2022, which saw a 31 per cent rise from the previous year.” 

Statistics Canada data I’ve seen support the conclusion that Canada is headed in the wrong direction when it comes to managing crime in our country.

2015

• Motor vehicle theft was 220 per 100,000 population, totalling 78,849.
• Theft over $5,000 (non-motor vehicle) was 43 per 100,000, totalling 15,573.
• Theft of $5,000 or under (non-motor vehicle) was 1,363 per 100,000, totalling 488,540.

2022

• Motor vehicle theft was 272 per 100,000, totalling 105,923.
• Theft over $5,000 (non-motor vehicle) was 63 per 100,000, totalling 24,362.
• Shoplifting of $5,000 or under was 329 per 100,000, totalling 127,940.
• Theft of $5,000 or under (non-motor vehicle) was 964 per 100,000, totalling 375,307.

2023

• Motor vehicle theft was 286 per 100,000, totalling 114,863.
• Theft over $5,000 (non-motor vehicle) was 61 per 100,000, totalling 24,418.
• Shoplifting of $5,000 or under was 387 per 100,000, totalling 155,280.
• Theft of $5,000 or under (non-motor vehicle) was 924 per 100,000, totalling 370,685.

What more can I say, but go, Pierre, go!

If you cannot make Canada the happiest place in the world where theft and crime disappear because we are too happy to steal, then how about making Canada a tough place for thieves to survive with better crime deterrents and harsher punishment, and a place where my friend does not have to stay at home 24/7 to physically defend his property?

Evan

For those who wish to continue reading, Canada’s definition of theft followed by a list of thieves, their theft convictions and punishment during the past six months in northeast B.C.

Criminal Code of Canada:

Punishment for theft

334 Except where otherwise provided by law, every one who commits theft

(a) if the property stolen is a testamentary instrument or the value of what is stolen is more than $5,000, is guilty of

(i) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years, or

(ii) an offence punishable on summary conviction; or

(b) if the value of what is stolen is not more than $5,000, is guilty

(i) of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or

(ii) of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

The following is a list of convictions for theft as reported in the Energeticcity.ca Court Report for northeast B.C. from November 1st, 2024, to March 30th, 2025. This list may not be complete. I have also included possession of stolen property as the two crimes usually go hand in hand.

I will leave it to you to determine if the punishment fits the crime and serves as a true deterrent, or if there are better models for our politicians to follow.

Mar 19th – Jared Rowe (born 1988) was found guilty of theft $5,000 for an incident in Fort St. John on May 18th, 2024. Rowe was issued a conditional discharge, a 12-month probation order and was ordered to pay $3,705.89 in restitution, which requires the offender to pay the victim for financial losses the victim suffered because of the crime. A conditional discharge means the record won’t show a conviction if a person meets the conditions the judge sets.

Mar 19th – Kenneth James Ernest Mcphee (born 1987) was found guilty of dangerous operation of a conveyance, two counts of driving while prohibited and/or with a suspended licence, possession and/or use of a stolen credit card, three counts of breaching a release order and theft $5,000 or under, for incidents in Fort Nelson and Fort St. John between March of 2020 and December of 2024.  Mcphee was sentenced to 28 days in jail in addition to time served. They were also issued six two-year probation orders, three two-year driving prohibitions, $1,000 in fines and $150 in victim surcharges.

Mar 18th – Brian Jason Schwieger (born 1980) was found guilty of possession of a firearm contrary to an order and theft $5,000 or under for incidents in Dawson Creek that took place between May and August of 2024. Schwieger was issued a 30-day conditional sentence in addition to jail time served. They also received a 10-year firearm prohibition and a 12-month probation order.

Mar 18th – James Sylvester Shearer (born 1988) was found guilty of theft for an incident in Dawson Creek on November 6th, 2024. Shearer was issued a 120-day conditional sentence.

Mar 18th – Joseph William Wason (born 1990) was found guilty of theft over $5,000 and breaching a release order, for incidents in Dawson Creek that took place between September of 2023 and August of 2024. Wason was also found guilty of several other charges, the details of which are under a publication ban.  For all of these guilty verdicts, Wason was sentenced to a combined total of 968 days in jail in addition to time already served. Wason also received eight 18-month probation orders, three three-year driving prohibitions and was ordered to pay $200 in victim surcharges.

Mar 17th – Valynda Veronica Davis (born 1989) was found guilty of two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, one count of assault, one count of theft, one count of breaching an undertaking and two counts of theft $5,000 or under for incidents in Fort St. John that took place between July of 2023 and May of 2024.  Davis was sentenced to 55 days in jail in addition to time served. Davis was also issued three 10-year firearm prohibitions, five 18-month probation orders and ordered to submit to forfeiture, which allows the government to seize property and assets “tainted” by crime.

Mar 17th – Braytin Daniel Lecuyer (born 1994) was found guilty of theft $5,000 or under for an incident that took place in Fort St. John on September 14th, 2024. Lecuyer was issued a suspended sentence and a 12-month probation order.

Mar 14th – John Mitchell Maceachern (born 1989) was found guilty of two counts of theft $5,000 or under, one count of dealing with an identity document without a lawful excuse and one count of possession of stolen property for incidents in Fort St. John, Taylor and Doig River that took place between June and October of 2024.  Maceachern was sentenced to jail time served and received four 12-month probation orders.

Mar 10th – Michael David Trosky (born 1990) was found guilty of two counts of breaching a release order, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, and one count of driving while disqualified under the Canadian Criminal Code, for incidents in Briar and Dawson Creek that took place between May of 2022 and June of 2023.  Trosky was sentenced to jail time served, and received six 18-month probation orders and one three-year driving prohibition.

Mar 3rd – David Edward Clish (born 1977) was found guilty of theft $5,000 or under for an incident in Fort St. John on February 26th, 2024. Clish was issued a suspended sentence, where the accused is given conditions to follow, and a one-year probation order.

Mar 3rd – Jessica Rae Hogan (born 1993) was found guilty of theft $5,000 or under for an incident in Fort St. John on April 14th, 2024. Hogan was issued a conditional discharge and a 12-month probation order.

Feb 21st – Dustyn Rian James Shadow (born 1994) was found guilty of theft of $5,000 or under for an incident in Fort St. John on October 6th, 2024. Shadow was issued a suspended sentence, where the accused is given conditions to follow, as well as a 12-month probation order.

Feb 13th – William James McWhirter (born 1979) was found guilty of three counts of breach of a probation order, two counts of theft valued at $5,000 or under, and one count of mischief valued at $5,000 or under, for incidents in Fort St. John that took place between the 5th and 24th of December 2024.  McWhirter was sentenced to 12 days of jail in addition to time served. McWhirter also received four 18-month probation orders and was ordered to pay $300 in restitution, which requires the offender to pay the victim for financial losses the victim suffered because of the crime.

Feb 4th – Brian Gordon John Stuckless (born 1986) was found guilty of theft over $5,000 for an incident in Dawson Creek on July 1st, 2019. Stuckless was issued a six-month conditional sentence, a nine-month probation order, and ordered to pay a total of $31,322.93 in restitution, which requires the offender to pay the victim for financial losses the victim suffered because of the crime.

Jan 31st – Lawrence Pereira Ribeiro (born 1966) was found guilty of assault and theft of $5,000 or under, for an incident in Dawson Creek on July 31st, 2024. Ribeiro was issued a suspended sentence, where the accused is given conditions to follow. Ribeiro also received two one-year probation orders.

Jan 21st – Stacy Ray Laglace (born 1987) was found guilty of the the following: 

• Theft $5,000 or under
• Theft over $5,000
• Breaching an undertaking
• Arson damaging property
• Mischief obstructing the use and/or enjoyment of property
• Breaching a probation order
• Driving while disqualified under the Canadian Criminal Code; Possession of stolen property over $5,000
• Mischief to property over $5,000
• Two counts of assault with intent to resist arrest. 

The incidents these charges are related to took place in Big Lake, Groundbirch, and Dawson Creek, between March 1st and April 1st, 2024.  Laglace was sentenced to jail time served, and issued 10 18-month probation orders and a three-year driving prohibition.

Jan 21st – Travis Norman Walker (born 1987) was found guilty of theft $5,000 or under for an incident in Dawson Creek on January 26th, 2024. Walker was issued a suspended sentence, where the accused is given conditions to follow. Walker was also issued a six-month probation order.

Jan 15th – Gurvinder Singh Sidhu (born 1991) was found guilty of theft $5,000 or under for an incident in Fort St. John on May 21st, 2022. Sidhu was issued a conditional discharge, a 12-month probation order, and a $100 victim surcharge.

Dec 17th – Amber Dawn McRann (born 1983) was found guilty of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and possession of stolen property under $5,000, for an incident on January 31st, 2024. McRann was issued two 45-day conditional sentences, which are sentences to be served outside of jail under strict conditions, sometimes called “house arrest.” McRann was also issued two 12-month probation orders.

Dec 9th – Braidan Josie Meck (born 1993) was found guilty of possession for the purposes of trafficking, loading and/or unloading a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo, and possession of stolen property under $5,000, for an incident in Dawson Creek on December 16th, 2020.  Meck was sentenced to 274 days in jail in addition to time served. Meck was also issued three 12-month probation orders, a lifetime firearm prohibition, subjected to forfeiture, which allows the government to seize property and assets “tainted” by crime, and ordered to report for DNA sample collection.

Dec 3rd – Katrine Alisha Letendre (born 1986) was found guilty of mischief, two counts of breach of a release order, and two counts of theft $5,000 or under. Letendre was sentenced to 18 days in jail in addition to jail time served, and also received four 12-month probations.

Dec 3rd – William Robert Frederick Russell (born 1992) was found guilty of theft over $5,000 for an incident in Chetwynd on May 31st, 2022. Russell was issued a 30-day conditional sentence, which is a sentence to be served outside of jail under strict conditions, sometimes called “house arrest.”   Russell also received a 12-month probation order and was ordered to pay $8,537.52 in restitution, which requires the offender to pay the victim for financial losses the victim suffered because of the crime.

Dec 2nd – Shandel Christine Annemarie Harrison (born 1991) was found guilty of three counts of breach of a release order, one count of theft $5,000 or under, one count of possession of stolen property $5,000 or under, and one count of breach of an undertaking, for incidents in Fort St. John between December of 2023 and August of 2024.  Harrison received five suspended sentences, five 15-month probation orders, and was sentenced to jail time served.

Nov 26th – William Victor Earl Larocque (born 1993) was found guilty of two counts of breaching a probation order, possession of stolen property under $5,000, breach of a release order, and theft, for incidents in Dawson Creek that took place between March 2021 and July 2022.  Larocque was sentenced to jail time served and received two 18-month probation orders.

Oct 29th – Tamara Erika Courtoreille (born 1994) was found guilty of theft $5,000 or under, three counts of breach of a release order, and assault with a weapon, for incidents that took place in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek between August of 2023 and June of 2024.  Courtoreille was sentenced to one day in jail in addition to jail time served. They were also issued a five-year firearm prohibition, two 12-month probation orders, and were ordered to report for DNA sample collection.

Oct 21st – Tara Lee Munro (born 1981) was found guilty of theft $5,000 or under for an incident in Dawson Creek on July 17th, 2022. Munro received a suspended sentence, where the accused is given conditions to follow. They were also issued a 12-month probation order.

Oct 3rd – Angela Frankson (born 1966) was found guilty of theft of $5000 or under for an incident in Chetwynd on May 1st, 2023. Frankson was issued a conditional discharge, a six-month probation order, and ordered to pay $600 in restitution, which requires the offender to pay the victim for financial losses the victim suffered because of the crime.