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The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a United States-based organization, DAIMLAS Corp, towards strengthening Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector, with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said the collaboration with DAIMLAS Corp will deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a platform that brings together all STI resources and stakeholders in Nigeria. He explained that the platform will also connect with Nigerians in the diaspora and other international technology ecosystems. Outlining the benefits of the partnership, Nnaji said, “It will help every state in Nigeria align with our national STI goals, encourage innovation by providing a place for collaboration and research.” The Guardian reports that the platform is set to launch publicly within eight weeks of the MoU signing, accompanied by outreach efforts to engage stakeholders nationwide. The minister, who said the partnership comes at no cost to the ministry, noted that it will open doors for international partnerships, investments, and growth opportunities. “This partnership is a big step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector, which is a key part of our 2017–2030 STI Roadmap,” he said. Also, in his remarks, the Director General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr Olusola Odusanya, explained that what is most important in the application of AI technology is to get all different stakeholders in Nigeria to learn, understand, and work together. He said: “There is a disruptive technology going across the world, and that is AI. Of most significant importance to us in Nigeria is to train more people in the use of these technologies because they’re very disruptive. “Unlike what happens in biotechnology, where advocacy is ahead of its time, we do not want a repeat of it. “That is why we want to bring all different stakeholders together in our economic system where infrastructure and data are provided, and Nigerian experts in AI in the diaspora have access to our young people who have different AI objectives and develop platforms for us to have AI guiding us in most of our decision areas, including education, health, industry, culture, and other sectors.” On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of DAIMLAS Corp, Joseph Wehbe, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are honoured to partner with FMIST to build a platform that will serve as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s scientific and technological advancements. “Together, we will create opportunities for growth, innovation, and global impact.” Wehbe said that with its focus on alignment, innovation, and global engagement, this partnership is poised to redefine Nigeria’s approach to science, technology, and innovation.

A backlog of over 1,000 unsolved cold cases sits in the Fort Worth Police Department's Cold Case Unit. Now, a proposed bipartisan bill could help provide the funding needed to solve these cases and bring closure to families of lost and missing loved ones. The Carla Walker Act, introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R- Texas) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vermont), is named after Fort Worth murder victim Carla Walker. Walker was 17 years old when she was abducted, held captive, sexually assaulted and eventually murdered in 1974. In 2020, 46 years after her death, a suspect was identified using advanced forensic analysis. Glen McCurley, the suspect, would plead guilty to her murder less than a year later. The bill would provide funding to police agencies for the same advanced testing used in Walker's case. Several cases across North Texas have been solved using these methods that allow scientists to examine DNA samples more closely and search for family members that may share that DNA. This allows for investigators to build family trees that can lead to suspects. "We know all of our law enforcement agencies are under-staffed and under-funded and they don't necessarily have access to the latest technology," Cornyn said in an interview with NBC 5. "This would provide additional federal funds so that police departments around the country, forensic labs, could access this innovative, new technology to allow them to crack these cold cases and to bring the perpetrators to justice." Last month, NBC 5 Investigates looked into the backlog of cold cases in Fort Worth . Families said they felt forgotten because the Fort Worth Cold Case Unit is understaffed. The department confirmed that only one full-time detective and two part-time reserve officers were assigned to the unit, which has 1,000 cold cases to solve. Retiring Police Chief Neil Noakes said his department is actively working on cold cases where new leads exist. In September, NBC 5 Investigates reported that the Fort Worth Police Department's crime lab has been so short-staffed that it failed to meet state deadlines for processing evidence in sexual assault cases more than 1,200 times . On Nov. 21, Cornyn announced that the federal government was sending $2.1 million to clear the backlog in Fort Worth. The Dallas Police Department also has a backlog of more than 3,000 cold case homicides. On Friday, the Dallas County District Attorney's Office secured over $3.8 million in federal grants for cold cases. The funding would create two units: the SAKI Unit (Sexual Assault Kit Initiative) and the Cold Case Homicide Unit. “This grant money will allow us to apply more resources to solve more violent crimes and solve them faster than ever before,” said District Attorney John Creuzot. “This is an incredibly profound time for the people of Dallas County to finally get justice for some of the worst crimes committed against our citizens.” Cornyn confirmed to NBC 5 that he believes that funding from the Carla Walker Act would help with backlogs like Dallas and Fort Worth's. The Carla Walker Act was previously introduced in the U.S. House in 2022 by former Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-North Dakota). It was referred to a House Judiciary Committee but never made it to the floor.None

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: 30-second review Capacity: 828Wh Battery type: LiFePO4 AC Continuous output: 1000W Pure Sine Wave AC Peak Output: 2000W AC Outlets: 3 x 1000W (Peak 2000W) Solar Input recharge: 300W AC Imput charge: 700W Ports: USB-A: 3 x 12W, 1 x 18W, USB-C 2 x 100W, DC 2 x 120W Dimensions: 393.7 × 279.4 × 269.24 mm (15.5x11x10.6 inch) Weight: 16.96kg (37.4 lbs) The FlashSpeed 1000 is a great-looking portable power station, finished in matte black and grey, with large carry handles, a decent cable storage system, and a range of inputs/outputs, all neatly arranged on the front. There’s also a large light panel on the back, which is useful for camping or if your car breaks down and you need some powerful illumination. The rugged design of this portable power station gives the impression that it has a much larger capacity and maximum power output than it actually has. That capacity comes in at 828Wh, and the maximum output is again relatively low at the 1kW mark. Why this is surprising is because recently, when looking at power stations of this size, you'd expect a bit more headroom; however, all things considered, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1000 is extremely well priced for what's on offer. What it does provide is a solid power supply, and during testing, it impressed when powering a variety of devices, from camping kettles and heaters to laptops, cameras, lighting gear, and 3D printers, and being used as backup power in the home. Out in the field, the design of the Flash Speed 1000 came into its own, with its large carry handles making it relatively easy to move around despite its weight. The large size also proved useful, providing a flat surface area to place equipment and even made a handy seat when needed. The build quality is extremely robust, reassuring you that it can take a good knock or two. Whether you're using it in daily life or out in the field for work, it should stand up to whatever use you put it to. Before diving into the standard uses of the FlashSpeed 1000, it’s worth highlighting the jumper option. This is an interesting addition, although you’ll need the optional jumper cable adapter to use it. Essentially, it enables you to jumpstart your petrol or diesel car without the need to hook up to another vehicle. If you live in colder conditions, then a feature like this is going to be a great option. In use, it performed well, although the maximum output of 1,000Wh was a little limiting, meaning that running either a small 1kW heater or a kettle required switching off other appliances. However, the 2,000 W surge protection does provide some buffer, especially for the kettle. For more standard uses, such as charging and running most devices, the FlashSpeed 1000 excelled. While the FlashSpeed 1000 incorporates all the latest technology, its size and internal capacity differ from much of the market, being larger and heavier with a smaller capacity than you might expect. However, it also features more AC ports, and with the option to add a large expansion battery and a solar panel, this kit becomes one of the largest capacity and most affordable power stations available. Despite its relative size compared to some of the other best portable power stations we've reviewed, it offers superb value when fully equipped. VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000 at Amazon for $149.99 VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Price & availability The standard price for the FlashSpeed 1000 is $999/£999, although it's often heavily discounted to around half that price, which makes it an exceptionally good deal. Not only that, but when coupled with the expansion battery and the 400 W solar panel for just under $2000 / £2000, it becomes a great all-round solution. When it comes to availability, it can be purchased directly through the VTO Man website as well as major online retailers such as Amazon. Score: 5/5 VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Design & build The first thing that strikes you about the FlashSpeed 1000 is that it's slightly larger than most portable power stations of this capacity. However, this is in part due to the number of ports, including three AC on the front of the unit. These include three power input options, three 12 V, six USB, and those three AC sockets (similar to those you would find at home), and two additional, less common ports for a jumper cable to start your car (Diesel or Petrol) and the expansion battery link socket. This jumper cable feature helps differentiate the FlashSpeed from other portable power stations on the market and makes it a great option for those in the van-life culture or anyone needing a truly heavyweight, powerful portable power station for use in the field. It's particularly suitable for mechanics or anyone working in garages on cars, both for the jumper feature and also for connecting tools. While the size and design might be slightly larger and heavier than other portable power stations of similar capacity, the size and shape are perfectly adapted to the workplace, especially the large flat surface on top and a handy built-in compartment so you can safely store all the cables needed for the power station and connecting to mains/expansion battery or solar. In terms of portability, the design thankfully includes two large carry handles, which are needed due to the 17 kg weight. Adding the expansion battery further increases the weight, so it's good to see a trolley accessory is available, and through the test is something we wished we had. Another positive aspect of the design, alongside the carry handles and cable compartment, is the large flat top and solid build, which firstly allows tools to be rested easily on top or otherwise enables the power station to double quite nicely as a makeshift seat when needed. Another feature we really like about the design of the FlashSpeed 1000 is that all the ports and connectors are located on the front of the unit. This ensures that nothing is hidden around the sides, such as the mains AC input. If installed in a workshop or van, this means you don’t need to pull the unit out each time you want to plug it in to charge. The only thing that is hidden on the back of the unit is the lamp, which isn't an issue. The design and build of this portable power station are good and solid, and there are small hidden design features that add to the reassurance of quality for this power station, such as the large vents on either side and internal fans that occasionally kick in to ensure plenty of airflow. Design: 4/5 VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Features As previously mentioned, the full capacity of the FlashSpeed 1000 is 828 Wh, which, considering its nearly 17 kg weight, isn’t a great deal. However, it does have the option to add an expansion battery, which itself has a capacity of 1,548 Wh, boosting the total capacity to a considerable 2,376 Wh. When it comes to output, the main battery can deliver 1,000 W of continuous power, and this remains the same with or without the expansion battery. A common feature is the surge protection, which is up to 2000W, which just gives you some flexibility with appliances that often have power spikes when they first start up. Through AC power (or mains power), you can achieve a 700 W input, enabling you to charge the main battery from 0 in 70 minutes (although you should never allow the battery to fully discharge). There’s also the option of 300 W solar power input, which, on a bright sunny day and in ideal conditions, would allow the battery to fully recharge in about six hours. Alternatively, you can use DC input charging at 200 W per hour, taking 7–8 hours for a full recharge—though this could potentially drain your car battery. One of the highlights of the system is the use of LIFEPO4 batteries, which are incredibly safe and offer up to 3,000 full life cycles with approximately 80% capacity retention. Another common portable power station feature is the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) function. If your house experiences a power outage, then this power station can be connected between your main power source and your devices to ensure no power loss. For example, you could position the power station between your fridge and the mains to ensure the fridge stays powered during an outage. An interesting additional feature of the FlashSpeed 1000 is the jumper cable connector, which allows you to jumpstart your petrol or diesel car. To use this function, you’ll need an adapter, which is relatively inexpensive and available through the VTO Man website. Once connected, you simply attach the jumper cables to your car battery and start the car as you would when connecting to another vehicle’s battery. When it comes to ports, you have three AC outlets: 110 V / 1,000 W in the US or 230 V / 1,000 W elsewhere. These are pure sine wave outputs. Then there are three DC outlets: two 12 V / 10 A DC5521 ports and one 12 V / 10 A car charger-style port. Next to these are four USB Type-A outlets—three offering 5 V / 2.4 A and one supporting 18 W. There are also two USB Type-C outlets, both of which support 100 W quick charging (200 W in total). Features: 4/5 VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Performance The FlashSpeed 1000 is an interesting portable power station because, on the surface, its capacity of 828 Wh combined with a 1,000 W maximum output, physical size, and weight don’t initially make it stand out as a great option. However, as you start to become familiar with how this portable power station works, you begin to realise why its design is slightly different and how it managed to prove itself over the course of the testing. Firstly, looking at the design of the power station. It is built to last, with two large carry handles, a cable storage compartment, and a design that, while slightly bulky and heavy, makes it relatively easy to move around. On-site, the design provides plenty of space to place tools and equipment on top or even to use it as an impromptu seat. It feels strong and robust enough to support the weight of most people. Another benefit is that all the ports are located on the front of the unit, making it easy to plug in both power inputs and outputs without having to fuss with pulling it out of a van or moving other equipment to access the back. For example, charging via a mains AC port or a solar panel is straightforward and doesn’t require repositioning the power station. During testing, we coupled the FlashSpeed 1000 with the expansion battery, which essentially trippled the capacity. At this point, it transformed from a single large unit to a double, quite bulky unit, but one that was far more useful in the field, with enough power to run all your gear. When used with a range of devices such as kettles, heaters, camera equipment, lights, and laptops, the FlashSpeed 1000 was more than capable of keeping up with power demands. However, when it came to the kettle and heater—both rated at just under 1,000 W—it became clear that all other devices needed to be switched off or unplugged before operating these appliances individually. It’s impossible to run both the heater and the kettle simultaneously without exceeding the surge protection limit. For more general use or when running just one high-demand appliance, the FlashSpeed 1000 performed exceptionally well. While the fans kicked into action during periods of high load, they remained relatively quiet during most day-to-day usage. The arrangement of sockets and plugs is generally well thought out, with one notable issue: the MacBook Pro's transformer plugs. The height of these adapters was just a few millimetres too tall to fit comfortably between the socket and the surface the power station was placed on. To resolve this, we had to position the power station near the edge of a surface so the transformer could hang free. Otherwise, for all other devices, the Flash Speed 1000 was ideal. Charging the unit was mostly done through the AC input (700 W), which charged the power station extremely quickly. During testing, we didn’t let the unit drop below 20%, and it consistently charged to full in under an hour. Alongside the main and expansion batteries, we also tested the 400 W solar panel. Plugging it into the solar input (maximum 300 W), we achieved about 150 W on a bright sunny day in late autumn/early winter in the UK. While this didn’t allow for a full charge in a day, it did top up the battery by about 20% over several hours. One of the standout features of the FlashSpeed 1000 is the small LED display on the front, which shows the remaining capacity, power draw, and the type of connector being used. For example, plugging a MacBook Pro into the AC port shows exactly how much power it’s drawing and identifies the connector. If you switch to a USB port, the display updates accordingly. This simple but effective display makes it easy to monitor usage. Unlike some premium models, the Flash Speed 1000 doesn’t feature a wireless app or additional advanced features. However, its simple, solid design and ease of use, makes it a great power source for a very reasonable price. Sony NP-F100 : 14 full charges. DJI Mavic 3 Pro battery : 9 full charges. GoPro Hero 12 Black battery : 70 full charges. MacBook Pro M1 Max : 7 full charges. BambuLabs X1 Carbon : 2 hours 50 minutes of runtime. Prusa MK4 : 5 hours 52 minutes of runtime. To run the first set of tests, the FlashSpeed was charged to 100%, and the battery or device was connected with a fully depleted battery and charged. The % usage was then divided by 100 to give a final result, where the % drop was low, two or three full discharges and recharges were carried out. The 3D printers were set on a single 10-hour print and timed until the power ran out. Performance: 4/5 Should you buy the VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000? Through the test, we used the FlashSpeed 1000 for a variety of purposes, from acting as a UPS for powering the TV and lounge lighting at home to running 3D printers in the workshop and finally providing power in the field for laptops and cameras. In all cases, the Flash Speed 1000 proved to be more than capable of handling the tasks required. While there are some trade-offs, such as its size and weight relative to its capacity, what you get is a very good and robust portable power station. It may lack some of the frills of more premium brands, but as a power station that prioritises performance, it does exceptionally well—especially when you factor in the available accessories. What we really liked about the FlashSpeed 1000 is that you can purchase the base unit, which essentially functions as an inverter with a reasonably sized capacity battery, and then expand it to a much larger capacity battery when your budget allows. The ability to plug in solar panels and create a complete power station ecosystem is particularly appealing, especially when considering that its price is significantly lower than many of its rivals. When comparing capacity with competitors, most do not offer the same level of expandability or the ability to handle high input volumes, whether through AC or solar, for fast recharging. So, while the FlashSpeed 1000 may initially seem like a large, bulky, and slightly underpowered portable power station, its practicality becomes apparent in real-world use. Yes, it is large and heavy, and its 1,000 W maximum output is slightly limited, but what it does offer is a substantial amount of capacity that is delivered safely and quietly. Buy it if... You want a simple-to-use portable power station One of the great things about this portable power station is how simple it is to use. All ports are located on the front, making them easily accessible for both charging and output. The large screen on the front provides easy-to-read feedback about the charge level and power output. You like the ability to expand the power While the 828 watt-hour capacity will be more than sufficient for most field power demands, the ability to boost this by over 1,500 watt-hours makes it extremely appealing. Don't buy it if... You have high-demand devices While 1,000 W is more than enough for charging many devices, such as camera gear and laptops, more demanding appliances like heaters and kettles generally require something with a higher wattage output. You want app connectivity Sometimes it’s handy to operate your portable power station remotely, especially if you're working on-site and unable to access the unit to switch the power on or off. In such circumstances, having app connectivity is essential. For more outdoor essentials, we tested the best rugged phones .Tel-Aviv, Israel, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE American; TASE: ELLO) (“Ellomay” or the “Company”) , a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe, USA and Israel, today announced that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the “ Meeting ”) at the Company’s offices at 18 Rothschild Boulevard, 1st Floor, Tel Aviv 6688121, Israel, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., Israel time, and thereafter as it may be adjourned or postponed from time to time. The agenda of the Meeting will be to approve the terms of service and compensation of Mr. Ben Sheizaf, the Company’s Chairman of the Board. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 30, 2024 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. The Company plans to mail a proxy statement that describes the proposal to be considered at the Meeting and a proxy card on or about December 31, 2024. A proxy statement and proxy card will also be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K on or about December 23, 2024. The resolution to be presented at the Meeting requires the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the ordinary shares voted at the Meeting on the matter presented for passage, in person or by proxy or via the electronic system of the Israel Securities Authority. Eligible shareholders may present proper proposals for inclusion in the Meeting by submitting their proposals to the Company no later than December 30, 2024. Shareholders may vote their ordinary shares by means of a proxy card, which is required to be received by the Company, along with the documentation set forth in the proxy statement, by 11:00 a.m., Israel time, on January 30, 2025 (four hours prior to the Meeting), to be counted for the Meeting, or through the electronic system of the Israel Securities Authority until six hours prior to the Meeting. About Ellomay Capital Ltd. Ellomay is an Israeli based company whose shares are listed on the NYSE American and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ELLO”. Since 2009, Ellomay Capital focuses its business in the renewable energy and power sectors in Europe, USA and Israel. To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Texas, USA, including: Approximately 335.9 MW of operating photovoltaic power plants in Spain (including a 300 MW photovoltaic plant in owned by Talasol, which is 51% owned by the Company) and approximately 20 MW of operating photovoltaic power plants in Italy; 9.375% indirect interest in Dorad Energy Ltd., which owns and operates one of Israel’s largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 850MW, representing about 6%-8% of Israel’s total current electricity consumption; Groen Gas Goor B.V., Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V. and Groen Gas Gelderland B.V., project companies operating anaerobic digestion plants in the Netherlands, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million Nm3 per year, respectively; 83.333% of Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., which is involved in a project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel; A solar plant (18 MW) under construction in Italy; Solar projects in Italy with an aggregate capacity of 195 MW that have reached “ready to build” status; and Solar projects in the Dallas Metropolitan area, Texas, USA with an aggregate capacity of 49 MW that are under construction. For more information about Ellomay, visit http://www.ellomay.com . Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company’s plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements, including changes in electricity prices and demand, continued war and hostilities in Israel, regulatory changes, including extension of current or approval of new rules and regulations increasing the operating expenses of manufacturers of renewable energy in Spain, increases in interest rates and inflation, changes in the supply and prices of resources required for the operation of the Company’s facilities (such as waste and natural gas) and in the price of oil, the impact of continued military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, technical and other disruptions in the operations or construction of the power plants owned by the Company and general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including Israel, Spain, Italy and the United States. These and other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business are described in greater detail in the filings the Company makes from time to time with Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: Kalia Rubenbach (Weintraub) CFO Tel: +972 (3) 797-1111 Email: hilai@ellomay.com

VANCOUVER - British Columbia business owner Joe Chaput will spend $5,500 a month on security guards during the holiday season and plans on upgrading his store’s video camera system for around $5,000 more. He’s not selling luxury brands or expensive jewels. Chaput sells cheese, and at Christmas, cheese is a hot commodity. He is the co-owner of specialty cheese store les amis du Fromage, with two locations in Vancouver. While cheeselifting is rare in their Kitsilano store, the outlet in East Vancouver is hit in waves, with nothing happening for a month, then three of four people trying to steal their inventory within a week. “Sometimes, you miss it. Sometimes, you catch it. The way shoplifters behave ... they tend to gravitate toward expensive things,” said Chaput. Expensive cheese is on shoplifters’ Christmas list, he said. “They tend to do the classic examples of staying away from customer service and trying to go to a different part of the store so they can be left alone to steal.” Chaput isn’t alone. Police say food-related crimes on are the rise in Canada and as prices climb for items such as cheese and butter, they become lucrative on the black market for organized crime groups, not to mention theft for local resale. Sylvain Charlebois, the director of Dalhousie University’s Agri-food Analytics Lab, said a black market tends to emerge as soon as food prices surge. “Organized crime will steal anything (if) they know they can sell it and so, they probably would have known who their clients are before even stealing anything at all, and that’s how a black market is organized,” said Charlebois. He said he believes there are two categories of people shoplifting — those who do so out of desperation because they can’t afford the food, or organized criminals, profiting from sales on the black market. Mounties in North Vancouver made cheesy headlines when they ran into a man with a cart of stolen cheese in the middle of the night in September. The cheese, valued at $12,800, was from a nearby Whole Foods Store. While the cheese was recovered, it had to be disposed of because it hadn’t been refrigerated. Const. Mansoor Sahak, with the North Vancouver RCMP, said officers believe cheese is targeted because it’s “profitable to resell.” “If they are drug addicts, they will commit further crimes with that or feed their drug habits. It’s a vicious cycle,” said Sahak. Sahak said meat is also a top target for grocery thieves, with store losses sometimes in the thousands. “So, we’re not surprised that this happened,” said Sahak. Police in Ontario have been chasing down slippery shoplifters going after butter. Scott Tracey, a spokesman with Guelph Police Service, said there have been eight or nine butter thefts over the last year, including one theft last December worth $1,000. In October, two men walked into a local grocer and filled their carts with cases of butter valued at $936, and four days later a Guelph grocer lost four cases valued at $958. Tracey said he has looked at online marketplaces and found listings by people selling 20 or 30 pounds of butter at a time. “Clearly, somebody didn’t accidentally buy 30 extra pounds of butter. So, they must have come from somewhere,” said Tracey, “I think at this point it appears to be the black market is where it’s headed.” He said the thefts seem to be organized, with two or three people working together in each case. Police in Brantford, Ont., are also investigating the theft of about $1,200 worth of butter from a store on Nov. 4. Charlebois said retailers could invest in prevention technologies like electronic tags, but putting them on butter or cheese is rare. He said up until recently grocery store theft has been a “taboo subject for many years.” Stores didn’t wanted to talk about thefts because they didn’t want to alarm people but now they feel they need to build awareness about what is “becoming a huge problem,” said Charlebois. Chaput, the cheese store owner, said he had been running the East Vancouver store for 15 years while managing the store in Kitsilano for 30 years, and he loves his customers. “It’s really one of the best parts of our businesses, seeing familiar faces and making new customers. It’s why we come to work, really. Partly it’s the cheese, and partly it’s the people,” said Chaput. He said his strategy to combat would-be thieves is to give them extra customer service to make it harder for them to steal. He admits, however, that the shoplifting causes him stress. “It’s challenging. You’re busy trying to run your business day to day and take care of customers and take care of employees. Having to deal with criminals, just kind of scratches away. It can be a bit exhausting,” said Chaput. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 15, 2024.