Downtown Saskatoon Businesses Keep Doors Locked Despite Crime Drop

Despite a reported decrease in major crimes against people and property in downtown Saskatoon, many business owners have opted to keep their doors locked during daytime hours. In 2025, Saskatoon police indicated a decline in such crimes compared to the previous year. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, as shopkeepers express ongoing concerns about safety.

Qudsia Kazmi, owner of Q&H Fashion Hub, has experienced multiple break-ins since opening her boutique two years ago. She recalls a disturbing incident when police contacted her in the middle of the night, stating, “Somebody broke into your store and we are here for a little bit, but we have to leave. So you have to come here right away.” Kazmi, who was pregnant at the time, felt a wave of anxiety, knowing she could not leave her children alone at night. Fortunately, the business improvement district, DowntownYXE, assisted her by waiting at the store until she arrived.

Kazmi shared her ongoing fears, stating, “After that, I’m just so paranoid. I check cameras in the middle of the night and I’m just scared that I’m gonna get that call again.” Her story illustrates the disconnect between reported crime statistics and the lived experiences of business owners in the area.

Crime Statistics vs. Business Reality

While police reports indicate that major assaults and thefts have decreased, the presence of police responding to incidents of social disorder remains a common sight in the area. Shauna Nelson, executive director of DowntownYXE, explained that the statistics do not fully capture the daily challenges faced by business owners. She noted that many incidents, particularly those related to homelessness and addiction, often go unreported.

Nelson emphasized, “When you say crime is up or crime is down, it’s not really a true conversation. You have to look at what we’re feeling with boots on the ground.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among businesses that the statistics fail to address the complexity of safety issues in the downtown environment.

Pam Constantinoff, who operates a novelty grocery store on Second Avenue, echoed these sentiments. After experiencing four break-ins in just one month, she recognized the need for enhanced security measures. Her landlord responded by installing a metal shutter, providing her with greater peace of mind and the confidence to keep her doors unlocked during the day.

Constantinoff described the challenges faced by her business, noting, “We are one of the only stores downtown that has food available, so it was easy to just break the window, grab what was in the display and go.” The financial burden of these incidents weighed heavily on her as a small business owner, highlighting the impact of crime on local enterprises.

Safety Measures and Community Support

Some businesses on Second Avenue have displayed signs indicating they are locking their doors “under the direction” of the Saskatoon Police Service. While police officials state that no formal notices have been issued, they acknowledge that individual officers may suggest locking doors as a precautionary measure following specific incidents.

For Constantinoff, the addition of the metal shutter has enhanced her sense of security. She expressed optimism about the future of downtown Saskatoon, stating, “I feel safe during daylight hours and believe in the future of the downtown core.”

Conversely, Kazmi remains cautious. The buzzer at her store is a necessary measure for her to maintain a sense of safety while conducting business. “Safety is the biggest concern,” Kazmi emphasized, underscoring the constant tension between the desire for security and the need to serve customers.

As downtown Saskatoon navigates the complexities of crime and community safety, the experiences of its business owners reveal a nuanced reality that statistics alone cannot capture. The ongoing dialogue between law enforcement, local businesses, and community organizations remains critical in fostering a safer environment for all.