Lance Evans, Executive Director of the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce recently wrote, “There have been some recent cases of break-ins, shoplifting and vandalism at Orcas businesses. In speaking with County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Steve Vierthaler, he offered the following thoughts and suggestions on how to better protect your business from this sort of thing:
There are a lot of different things going on right now, but one thing that seems to have a “theme” is the theft of the actual security equipment from businesses. We have had 2 businesses (one’s a church, then other is a marina) that have had their security cameras stolen as well as the device that records the video feed from the cameras!
As you are aware , several places have installed security systems in their stores and we have had good success at using information from these camera systems to help clear particular crimes. Both these places lost their security systems only, nothing else appears to have been taken so it appears the system itself was the target.
We totally support and encourage businesses as well as home owners to install a good security system. Video is the best as it gives us a picture (if it’s a good system) of who committed the crime. Some things to note regarding these systems are: you get what you pay for, try to buy the best system you can as one that gives a poor quality picture will be of little to no use in solving the crime if we can not make out the person(s)
Secure the DVR(recorder). It must be in a secure area. Locked up and /or out of view. If this is stolen as in the two crimes mentioned here, then we have no pictures. If its hidden in an attic or crawl space, access to that area needs to be locked up. Be creative and make it as hard as possible for the bad guy to locate your equipment. Mount the cameras up high or out of site and consider infra -red types that require little or no light to take pictures. Consider off-site monitoring and recording of the cameras as that would be the best way to make the system secure.
Evans adds, “If you have a security system that you use for business or home – and feel it is worth recommending – please tell the Chamber about it. We will compile that information to serve as a database for businesses and individuals who are looking to install a system.Most of all, keep your eyes open for anything unusual … your instincts will prove you right.
“And keep an eye out for your neighbor or business next door.”
The Chamber can be reached at PO Box 252. Eastsound WA 98245, at 65 North Beach Road, (360) 376-2273 or at info@orcasislandchamber.com
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