Photo: Jon Manchester
Vernon businesses are invited to take part in two workshops on security and crime prevention.
The Protecting Your Business By Design sessions on March 30 are aimed at reducing theft and increasing safety.
The workshops will be held at the Elks Hall in partnership between The Greater Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Vernon Association and City of Vernon.
Two sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Both are free, but registration is required.
The chamber says security is a “significant concern for businesses and non-profit organizations,” and Char Deuling of the downtown Expressions of Time shop knows all too well.
After multiple shoplifting and break-in incidents, Deuling is moving out of downtown this fall and into a new space in the Alpine Centre on Kal Lake Road.
But that’s not before she’s had to invest in heavy window bars and has resorted to public shaming on social media of criminals caught on her security cameras.
“There’s no real resolution,” Deuling said. “Basically, every business needs roll shutters or bars … We’ve always had shoplifting, but last year was exponential.”
Deuling said there are “no consequences” for property crime unless culprits are caught red-handed. That’s why she’s taken to shaming law-breakers on Facebook. Deuling said it has had an effect.
“I’ve had six out of eight parents call to apologize for their kids,” she said.
The workshops will be led by Rachael Zubick, co-ordinator of the city’s community safety office. Using the principles of crime prevention through environmental design, the workshop will offer tips to reduce opportunities for mischief and theft using lighting and layout.
You can register for the workshops here and here.
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