Windows on a property owned by Patrick Gillespie in central Moncton have been boarded up following a series of five break-ins in November. Gillespie, a co-owner of Ashford Investments, expressed frustration over the escalating incidents of vandalism and property crimes at his commercial properties. He has initiated a coalition of business owners named “Enough Is Enough” to advocate for increased intervention from municipal and provincial authorities and local law enforcement to address these costly crimes.
Gillespie’s group has launched a petition to gather support and has garnered approximately 3,000 signatures as of November 28. He emphasized the importance of sharing personal experiences to convey the severity of the situation to the relevant authorities.
The financial toll of crime on business owners and landlords was highlighted by Gillespie, who disclosed spending over $250,000 on security measures, including cameras, alarms, security systems, and guards in 2025. He mentioned implementing advanced security measures like a buzz-in system and exploring the installation of 24/7 artificial intelligence camera surveillance.
John Nicholson, a glazer and automatic door technician at First Class Glass, reported a surge in repair calls across the city due to heightened incidents of theft and vandalism. Nicholson noted a significant increase in service requests, emphasizing the impact of such criminal activities on property owners.
Kim Wilson, the CEO of the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce, shared concerns raised by businesses regarding safety and security issues. She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders, including government entities, law enforcement agencies, and community partners, to develop effective action plans in response to the rising crime rates.
Despite the growing apprehension among businesses, Codiac Regional RCMP’s data indicated a decrease in property crimes over the years. Police records showed a decline in the number of incidents from 5,829 in 2023 to 5,328 in 2024. The downward trend continued in 2025, with 4,784 recorded incidents between January 1 and October 31. The RCMP credited the decline to significant arrests made and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to enhance crime prevention measures.
Patrick Richard, the executive director of Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc., highlighted the persistent issue of property crime in the area. He suggested increasing police foot patrols in downtown Moncton as a potential solution to combat petty crimes and vandalism affecting local businesses.
The “Enough Is Enough” coalition’s advocacy efforts coincide with the upcoming municipal elections, with many business owners hoping for their concerns to be addressed by local authorities. The collective push for improved security measures reflects the urgent need to safeguard businesses and properties against criminal activities.