A B.C. small business owner with stores in Vancouver and Toronto says she no longer reports crimes to the police and is relying solely on social media to hold criminals accountable.
Security cameras at CityLux Boutique in downtown Vancouver have captured repeated smashed windows, shoplifting and even a brazen daylight couch theft during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Criminal lawyer Kyla Lee said people have privacy rights but when it comes to sharing video recorded in private properties, the law is murky.
The Acumen Law defence lawyer told Global News the “threat” of posting photos or videos online unless merchandise is paid for or returned, could arguably be considered extortion.
However, Lee said there may be a defence of a lawful justification if the store is trying to recover stolen goods.
A business owner she added, could also incur legal expenses defending themselves from any such claim.
Lee admitted it’s pretty unlikely somebody caught on video committing a crime would bring a lawsuit that would shed more light on the issue and potentially harm their reputation further if they don’t have a legal leg to stand on in the first place.
