Crime rates in Northwest BC have seen a sharp increase this past year and businesses across the region are feeling the brunt.

Terrace, however, is experiencing a particular proliferation of these crimes in recent months, with several businesses reporting multiple break-ins and robberies.

Ginny Kenmuir’s family owns and operates All Star Shoes and the Cove Boutique in Terrace and has reported four break-ins this year alone, a complete departure from just a couple of years ago when this level a crime never even entered their minds.

"We had four break-ins over the course of three months," said Kenmuir. "My husband even spent, more than one night, at the store all night after the last one."

Last month, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach rose in the house of commons to bring attention to the issue, calling on the federal justice minister to take immediate action to amend the criminal bail system to keep repeat offends off the streets. However, the justice minister, David Lametti, said he passed the issue over to his deputy for review.

"Northern communities deserve better," Backrach told the House.

Earlier this year, while he was still a councillor, Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas traveled to Victoria to call upon the provincial government to also take action to curb crime in his community with more resources and action including integrated provincial courts, mental health and addiction supports, and for Crown counsel to be at the table when looking for solutions as well prosecuting repeat offenders.

Still, just after another break-in this past weekend at George Little House, little has been done.

Listen to the full episode here.