As has been reported in these pages for the past several months, there's a very prolific thief running around town casing businesses,mostly in the downtown neighbourhood.
Members of the downtown Business Improvement Association can't be blamed for throwing up their hands in frustration. BIA representatives say they've felt the sting of the increased franchise presence along Highway 99 - most notably in the Garibaldi Estates. Former downtown businesses have even opted to pull stakes and move to this new site, seemingly saying: "If you can't beat them, join them." Those who remain are angered by the loss of the Pavilion, and with still no replacement in sight despite a grant of several hundred thousand dollars to do just that, tensions are mounting.
Now to top it off, a burglar is running roughshod over them - and the police.
But RMCP members say they're trying -they've made one arrest that they're not associating with the majority of the thefts and have another person of interest in sight.
And they're encouraging businesses to be proactive about fighting crime by adopting certain measures.
Const. Steve Rose said robbers primarily look for cash, poor lighting, an easy escape route and predictable deposit procedures.
He recommends having open and empty tills near the front door so potential robbers can see there's no cash on the premises.
He also recommends an audible alarm as one of the best preventative measures for robbery.
"If you don't have it, get it," he says.
Businesses also routinely have problems with shoplifting, and there are a few ways to avoid making stores attractive to such criminals.
Shoplifters gravitate towards a cluttered store and a single employee on duty, said Rose.
He emphasized the importance of making eye contact and saying hello to suspicious people as a good preventative measure.
However sometimes, the suspicious character actually intends to hold up the business. So Rose said if it doesn't feel right, call the police.
"Call us cops, call us popo, call us whatever you want - but make sure to call us."
But if you do find yourself in a hold-up, remain calm. Don't argue or fight, obey commands, don't attempt to deceive robber in any way, said Rose.
"You're entitled to protect yourself and your property but need to respect equal and opposite reaction."
And once the incident is over, take time to assess how everyone deals with the aftermath.
In police jargon, a Critical Incident Stress (CIS) could happen after any situation causing unusually strong emotional reactions, potentially leading to an interference with ability to function.
And finally, the best way to fight is to unite.
RCMP suggests joining the Business Link Program co-ordinated through the Community Policing Office. It offers crime prevention tips and alerts to local downtown business operators via a monthly newsletter or delivered in person by trained RCMP volunteers.
- Sylvie Paillard
