Business Owners Be Aware

James Mullen · Post by **James Mullen** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:52 pm

I just wanted to put a quick post up about what we experienced over the weekend. Our business was broken into. We are one of many businesses along Madison and Detroit that have had this unfortunate occurence happen. Although they did get off with a significant amount of money from our Jukebox, the worst part is that we are just one of many businesses that have had this happen. I am thankful that no one was still at our business when the incident occurred, and that all the things can be fixed. I just wanted to put this out there so everyone is aware there is someone out there looking for a quick hit. If you own a business where you keep a great deal of cash on hand overnight consider not continuing to do this, or investing in a safe or alarm. I am hopeful this person (people) are caught soon.

Suzie Dean · Post by **Suzie Dean** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 5:07 pm

I was talking to another business owner that was broken into over the weekend, and he had said that the police told him that on average the Lakewood Police Department go to 7-10 local businesses every morning because they were broken into during the night.

Sounded like a bit of information that everyone should know.

Rick Uldricks · Post by **Rick Uldricks** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 5:13 pm

deleted

Stan Austin · Post by **Stan Austin** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:47 pm

I was out on my morning run at 4:15 and the cops were on foot patrol on selected areas of Detroit and Madison in order to combat this unusual occurrence. This was not normal. Usually there areen't any breakins, just the usual OVI and drinking related incidents. So, LPD is out and active on this.
Stan Austin

James Mullen · Post by **James Mullen** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:59 am

I can assure everyone this isn't the first occurrence, and it is becoming a large problem in Lakewood. In the last few months, Madison and Detroit Avenue have been overwhelmed with break-ins. To even elude that is under control would be the understatement of the year. As a business owner, and sibling of an LPD officer, I understand there is only so much they can do. This is why I decided to post this on here to let other business owners know to take the extra precautions. With the number of storefronts in Lakewood, I think it is unrealistic to expect LPD to have round the clock surveillance on all of them. It is my hope they are close to finding the group responsible for all of this. I also hope that in light of the number of break-ins over the last several months, that they are making this a priority in the community. This being said, I hope people around Lakewood head the advice of taking the extra precaution to protect your assets, and also keep yours eyes open as you are out and about, jogging, getting ready for work, driving to work etc. We are all a community and should be looking out for one another.

James Mullen · Post by **James Mullen** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:44 am

I just want to make sure I was clear in what I was trying to get across. I think as a business owner, it is our responsibility to keep surrounding businesses aware of what is going on. This being said, I do believe everything that can be done is being done to find who is responsible. I think the LPD is doing a good job. I hope I did not offend anyone and am fully supportive of LPD and the city.

Dee Krupp · Post by **Dee Krupp** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:14 pm

Just wondering...how many of these business had security systems?

Chris Trapp · Post by **Chris Trapp** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:07 pm

Do any business owners have any recommendations or experience with security system companies? I recently purchased a commercial building and want to get a security system set up.
Thanks!

Glenn Palmer · Post by **Glenn Palmer** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:32 pm

My wife Chris and I both use Monitronics monitoring systems installed by Lake Erie Security. I have added some additional zones as time has passed as I have seen vulnerable points. 32 dollars a month for the monitoring, not bad considering our insurance deductibles.

here is there contact info:
http://lakeeriesecurity.com/

Glenn Palmer · Post by **Glenn Palmer** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:01 pm

Being that I have spent the past 7 hours here I just noticed that the rear entrance door was attempted to be kicked in last evening. I am very glad that we spent the extra time fortifying the doors. Once again BEWARE !!

Jeff Endress · Post by **Jeff Endress** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:21 pm

I had a conversation with a client who reported that the rear door of her salon was kicked in last night. The police told her it's happening to a lot of businesses....the rear door, off the parking lot gets kicked in, they take whatever cash is there and leave...

Happened last night around 3 AM.

Probably the same group. Hope they catch them soon.

Jeff

Chris Trapp · Post by **Chris Trapp** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:29 pm

As coincidence would have it, I stopped in at a local business today and encountered Officer Deucher of the Lakewood PD investigating an attempted break-in. After he completed his investigation, I asked him a few questions I had about security at the building I recently purchased. He answered my questions and then offered to stop by my building to review potential security issues there.
I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge Officer Deucher and the Lakewood PD for this service - which went above and beyond what I would expect. As a new property owner, I am now much more aware of potential security issues and how to protect my property and deter criminal incidents. The time we spent today should pay dividends for both myself and the police department in preventing crime. I would highly suggest that other business owners be proactive and contact the Lakewood PD to ensure that they are doing all they can to prevent problems.
We hear a lot of complaints and frustration, but this was a great example of crime prevention that was initiated by Officer Deucher.