Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared a recent incident at a Home Depot where he confronted a shoplifter during a speech at the Empire Club in Toronto. Ford emphasized the need for stronger bail policies to deter criminals who are becoming more brazen.
Detailing the encounter, Ford recounted a summer day when he ventured to Home Depot without his security detail to purchase plants for his cottage ahead of a visit from Prime Minister Mark Carney. He witnessed a man leaving the store with two backpacks, followed by security guards who suspected him of theft but were instructed not to intervene.
Taking matters into his own hands, Ford approached the man and demanded to inspect his bag. When the man refused, Ford issued a stern warning, threatening physical confrontation. Eventually, the man relented and revealed a stolen saw blade, as confirmed by the store manager.
In his retelling, Ford stated, “I said, ‘Buddy, I’m going to kick your ass all over the parking lot, show me what’s in your bag.'” He further warned the man of severe consequences if he repeated such actions in the future, asserting the necessity of taking decisive action in such situations.