While a couple of protein shakes don't amount to a significant loss, over time, accumulated shoplifting represents significant losses for the company, Reda said. This leads to increased prices and hurts employees and customers.

Reda said they have had people pictured return to the store, where employees point out the images and tell them to never come back or they will call police. They never see them again.

For more serious offences, such as a robbery, Reda said they call police right away. But, unfortunately, petty shoplifting happens so often he feels they do not need to tie up police time.

Manek agreed the photos could act as a deterrent for other would-be shoplifters and said that even if a thief is charged, it's rare to for them to get any jail time.

Where the stores may be opening themselves to possible problems is on the issue of identification.

Manek noted that identification is often an issue in criminal robbery cases. Cameras aren't always clear, people can look different over time and people's memories are unreliable.

Manek says he always takes cases where he is defending an accused robber to trial, because no matter how clear-cut it may appear, a lawyer can often raise doubt about identity.

Reda said they have a lot of cameras in the stores, which also include 180 James St. S. and 784 Concession St., and the thefts are clearly captured. No one has ever complained about being falsely identified and public feedback has been positive, he said.

Hamilton police say they would prefer all crimes are reported.

"Hamilton Police Service encourages all members of the community to report crimes to the police," said spokesperson Const. Steve Welton. "We absolutely want people to know that reporting crimes and information is encouraged and by doing so it allows us all to work towards a safer Hamilton."

noreilly@thespec.com

905-526-3199 | @NicoleatTheSpec