Downtown Burlington, Vermont, a city celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and unique local businesses, is currently grappling with a significant surge in retail theft. Recent reports and local business accounts highlight a worrying trend, casting a shadow over the shopping experience and the livelihoods of store owners in the area, including the well-known CVS on Church Street.
During a Burlington City Council meeting on June 10th, Jeff Nick, a former Marketplace commissioner and founder of J.L. Davis Realty, voiced his deep concerns about the escalating situation downtown. He pointed to alarming instances of retail theft, stating, “Lululemon [has lost] over a thousand dollars per day in the last week. Every day. The thievery is so brazen, and we cannot continue this way.” This sentiment resonates with many business operators in the area, who are witnessing firsthand the impact of increased theft on their daily operations.
For those who work in and frequently visit downtown Burlington, the rise in retail theft might not come as a complete shock. Even if individuals haven’t directly experienced or witnessed these incidents, it’s highly likely they know someone who has. Businesses are increasingly resorting to social media, posting screenshots of suspected thieves in an attempt to seek public assistance in identifying culprits. Sneaker store Banana Stand, located on Main Street, suffered vandalism and robberies twice in a single weekend last November, illustrating the severity and frequency of these crimes. Adding to the growing unease, Nick highlighted that the CVS on Church Street alone reports a staggering 15 to 20 thefts per day, underscoring the pervasive nature of the problem across various retail establishments in the downtown core. Even cafes within the Marketplace, such as Top of the Block and Black Cap, have reported petty thefts, like tip jars being snatched directly from counters, indicating that no business is immune to this wave of criminal activity.
While there’s no single, straightforward explanation for this surge in retail theft, and consequently no easy fix, business owners and community leaders like Nick are actively seeking solutions to address this pressing issue that impacts establishments like the CVS on Church Street and the broader Burlington retail landscape.
The Police Response and the Reality of Understaffing
The gravity of the situation is further illuminated by the July 2024 Police Chiefs Report, which provides concrete statistics on retail theft trends from 2018 through the end of 2023. The data reveals a stark increase: in 2022, Burlington witnessed 324 reported incidents of retail theft, while 2023 saw a dramatic jump to 793 incidents as of December 16th. This represents a 235% increase compared to the five-year average for other crime categories, making retail theft a disproportionately growing concern.
It’s crucial to note that these figures represent reported thefts, and a significant 78% of reports in 2023 were filed online. This is largely attributed to the Priority Response Plan implemented by the Burlington Police Department. This plan, designed to manage resource allocation amidst understaffing, categorizes crimes by priority level. Retail theft, unfortunately, falls into the lowest priority category. Consequently, businesses, including the CVS on Church Street, have less incentive to report thefts through direct calls if they anticipate a low likelihood of immediate police dispatch. Instead, they often resort to online reporting, which may not yield the immediate response needed to deter theft or apprehend perpetrators.
The visible presence of Burlington police cars parked near Church Street and officers patrolling the area might offer a sense of security, but the reality is that the police force is operating with only 66 officers, significantly below its authorized cap of 87. This understaffing limits their capacity to respond effectively to all incidents, particularly lower-priority crimes like retail theft. The Priority Response Plan, while intended to optimize resource use, inadvertently signals to potential thieves that there are likely to be minimal immediate consequences for retail theft, potentially emboldening them to continue such activities, impacting businesses across downtown, including the CVS on Church Street.
Unpacking the Reasons Behind the Retail Theft Surge
Pinpointing a singular cause for the escalating retail theft in Burlington is challenging, as it appears to be a confluence of interconnected factors. Sarah Beal, co-owner of Common Deer gift shop and a Marketplace commissioner, describes it as a “systemic problem.” She points to the intertwined issues of the ongoing drug crisis, a diminished police presence due to understaffing, reduced foot traffic in the downtown area, and persistent housing challenges. These elements, Beal argues, converge to create a complex web of problems contributing to the rise in retail theft that impacts businesses like CVS on Church Street and others in Burlington.
Jeff Nick’s somber assessment, “I never thought I would say these words, but the Marketplace is in decline,” underscores the severity of the situation. He emphasizes that downtown Burlington is at a “critical point,” urging collective focus and action to revitalize the area and address the issues plaguing local businesses. For Burlingtonians, who often take immense pride in their city’s unique character and vibrant downtown, this statement may be unsettling. However, business owners are not only voicing their concerns but also demonstrating their commitment to the city by remaining operational and appealing to residents and visitors for support.
Businesses Stand Resilient Amidst Challenges
Despite the difficulties posed by increased retail theft, business owners in Burlington are showing remarkable resilience and a proactive spirit. Trina Zide, co-founder of Maven, notes that while theft remains a significant challenge, she has observed a positive correlation between busier retail days and fewer theft incidents. This observation, also shared by Jeff Nick, suggests that increased foot traffic and a more vibrant downtown atmosphere can act as a deterrent to theft.
Zide emphasizes the crucial role of community support, stating, “When you shop locally, you not only help local businesses thrive but also contribute to a safer, more vibrant downtown community.” This call to action, encouraging residents and visitors to frequent downtown businesses, even for simple window shopping, is echoed by Sarah Beal. Beal stresses the importance of unity and mutual support among businesses and the community, advocating for a collective approach to overcome the challenges. “Businesses need to exist together, not separately. The community has to come together and support one another,” Beal asserts. “We need to ride that ship together.”
While Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has prioritized public safety since her campaign and election, acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Zide and other business owners emphasize the need for quicker, tangible solutions. They express concern that businesses, including the CVS on Church Street, cannot afford to wait for long-term solutions, highlighting the immediate impact of retail theft on their daily viability.
Although a definitive, singular solution remains elusive, there is a consensus among business owners and community stakeholders that collaborative effort and mutual support are essential to navigate these challenges. Beal aptly describes Burlington as a “microcosm of cool,” emphasizing that while Vermont’s natural beauty is undeniable, it is the unique local businesses that truly define its special character and appeal. These businesses, like the CVS on Church Street and countless others, are vital to the city’s identity and require community support to not only survive but thrive amidst the current challenges.
Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
