Security Seeker for Home & Business Owners

Redding, WA, Sees Burglaries Rise during Recession

When Ilene Taylor opened her skateboard shop in Redding, WA, last December, she never considered getting a security system.

It proved to be a costly mistake.

Taylor's Redding Skate Shop, which she owns with her son, Casey Nelson, was burglarized in March. The thieves made off with about $8,000 in merchandise and stole her laptop computer.

She thinks the culprit picked the lock on the door of the business, which is near Churn Creek Road and Hartnell Avenue, across the street from the Four Corners shopping center.

"The police called at 4:30 in the morning and told us the door was wide open," Taylor recalled. "We drove down and my son - who's a big, burly guy - I was behind him and he just about fainted. I had to catch him.

"I hate to use 'rape,' but you feel that way - very invaded."

It didn't take long for Taylor and Nelson to invest in a new security system, which includes some video surveillance. They also changed the locks in the door.

The mother-and-son business partners are thankful they had insurance, but the break-in was a setback.

"I think it kind of stunted our growth, but we are coming around now. ... But it definitely hurt us," Taylor said.

Redding Police Department statistics show there were 32 business break-ins from January to April 15, a 29 percent decrease from the same period in 2008. However, larcenies - which are all types of theft - are up 12 percent this year.

Redding Police community service officer Mike Leonard said an economic downturn has the potential for an uptick in burglaries.

"People need to survive. ... People who are unemployed need to find money to survive," Leonard said. "Some will be able to do that legally and a percentage will do it illegally."

Leonard said most businesses in Redding have burglar alarms.

"When it comes down to a choice of two businesses that offer similar opportunities, a burglar with any level of intelligence will chose the business that doesn't have an obvious alarm," Leonard said. 

But businesses should also consider installing a video surveillance system, Leonard said, adding that a do-it-yourselfer can install a four-camera system for between $400 to $1,200. Having a security a company do the work could cost significantly more.

Businesses shouldn't be bashful about advertising they have security.

"Put up signs that say, 'Smile, you're on camera,' " Leonard suggested.

"Just knowing that the video camera is up there and knowing what you're doing is being recorded, is a very powerful tool to dissuade people from committing a crime."