The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce (CK Chamber) is taking steps to protect its members from crime and violence by launching a community safety survey.
The chamber said the survey is being done province-wide to find solutions to curb vandalism, theft, and other crimes, while keeping insurance premiums low and giving businesses peace of mind.
CK Chamber President Rory Ring told CK News Today that businesses are facing bigger and more serious safety challenges these days, with an increasing mental health and addictions crisis, and something needs to be done about it.
"How many businesses now have to lock their door, and it's by identified entry or businesses that have had to hire security services or businesses that just let those thieves walk out the door because of the fear of a confrontation and the escalation of violence?" asked Ring.
Ring said this study represents an important step toward understanding the work, actions, and initiatives chamber members, community partners, and individuals are shouldering as they adapt to evolving safety challenges.
"If you're thinking of a thousand dollar window, that comes straight out of the businesses' ability to generate revenue, right? So, it comes right off their bottom line. That means you have to generate $10,000 or $15,000 in revenue to pay for a thousand dollar vandalism," said Ring.
The chamber noted the research will help identify both funded and unfunded initiatives currently underway to address these safety challenges, and will provide data to support advocacy and policy recommendations through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce at Queen’s Park.
Ring said the local data will be shared with Chatham-Kent police after the survey is done.
According to the chamber, the findings will inform future advocacy efforts to support community resilience, safety, and well-being.
Click here to participate in the survey. It's open until November 30, 2025.
