Poverty appears to be a motivating factor in at least some of the rising number of thefts reported at local grocery stores, Orillia’s OPP detachment commander says.

Thefts of meat in particular are on the rise at stores that are experiencing “significant losses,” Insp. Pat Morris tells Simcoe.com.

“Some people it’s just, they need meat, they’re hungry (and) it’s the cost,” Morris said. “It’s a social issue.”

Thefts under $5,000 represent 60 per cent of property crime reported in Orillia according to the detachment’s most recent figures.