![After 'encouraging' results, province extends funding for Winnipeg police retail theft initiative](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7251254.1719923465!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/judy-coy.jpg)
After 'encouraging' results, province extends funding for Winnipeg police retail theft initiative
CBC
The Manitoba provincial government is extending funding for an anti-theft initiative in Winnipeg, as a business owner in one of the city's top areas for retail theft says the program is making a difference.
In late May, the province said it was giving police a short-term funding boost to pay for units focused on areas identified as retail theft hot spots.
A government spokesperson said last week the initial funding amount for the initiative in June was $387,000, and funding will now be extended into July, as officials work with Winnipeg police to determine what resources are needed.
"We want to make sure people feel safe when they come downtown, when they're taking in the festivals in our great Exchange District, or coming down to Osborne Village," Justice Minister Matt Wiebe told CBC last week.
The Village is one of the neighbourhoods targeted by Winnipeg police as part of the initiative.
Some high-profile businesses in the area — including the area's Starbucks