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Keeping a Sharp Eye on Business By Alex Newman 10/14/05 |
This story stresses the value of a
CCTV Video Surveillance System to catch thefts and vandals in the act of defacing or robbing your business.
David Currier, the owner of the Scotland Yard Spy Shop, can keep track of what is happening at his Virginia Street business with
surveillance cameras mounted inside and outside the business. Currier said since his system was installed, he has had one incident of graffiti. “The cameras have paid off,” he said.
When Scotland Yard Spy Shop owner David Currier invested $5,000 in a
24-hour video surveillance system, he didn't realize it would pay off so quickly.
Currier is three-for-three in catching suspects after they allegedly steal from him or vandalize his South Virginia Street business.
He is one of a few small-business owners who have been able to protect his business while other shops have been victimized by burglars and taggers.
"If one guy starts fighting back, then they'll be more cautious," Currier said.
After his camera showed a man walking out of the store about 5 p.m. Friday with a $529
surveillance camera, Currier and a friend chased and caught the suspect and called police.
Benjamin Nix, 31, of Reno, was booked Friday into the Washoe County Jail on suspicion of two counts of burglary and grand larceny.
Video also shows what appears to be the same suspect stealing a $299 camera Thursday.
Currier said he observed another shoplifter who also took a $299 camera on Sept. 15. That suspect remains at large.
The
security cameras also taped suspected graffiti vandal Robert Fuller, 23, of Reno when he allegedly spray-painted the front of the store Aug. 21 at 2:33 a.m. Police said they used the picture to link Fuller to 11 other graffiti cases and arrested him Sept. 15.
"You're actually fixing the problem," Currier said of his
surveillance camera system. "You're not just putting Band-Aids over it."
Since July 29, nearly 50 businesses have been victims of what police are calling the Channellock burglaries, in which crooks use pliers to twist off the circular door locks and empty the cash register.
Currier said since his eight-camera system was installed, he's had one incident of graffiti.
"The
surveillance cameras have paid off," Currier said. "It's like, 'Yeah, you got me.' Well now I've got you."
Source: news.rgj.com
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