Business owners learn security tips

Smart Start Workshop focuses on keeping local businesses secure

Keeping local businesses safe was the key topic of discussion at the Oct. 12 Smart Start Workshop at Main Street Amherst.

This was the third workshop focusing on keeping local businesses secure from thefts and robberies and what to do if either occurs, according to Erin Link, owner of Etc. Boutique & Gifts and director of special projects for Main Street Amherst, 225 Park Ave.

The workshop featured a nearly two-hour presentation by Amherst police Lt. Mark E. Cawthon, which focused on theft, breaking and entering and robbery.

Within the realm of theft, Cawthon focused on shoplifting, misuse of credit cards, counterfeit currency and passing bad checks.

He told the assembled group that when looking out for shoplifters, one should focus on their clothes and how they act in the business.

“You never know who’s going to be a shoplifter,” Cawthon said. “We’re not looking for their race. We’re not looking for sex, age or skin color.

“We’re looking for how they dress, how they act, how they carry themselves, how they move about your store.”

According to Cawthon, shopkeepers should be on the lookout for people wearing clothing that doesn’t fit with the weather, such as a large jacket while it’s 70 degrees outside.

He said clerks also should be alert around people carrying large open-style purses or newspapers that could conceal goods.

Cawthon also advised them about the possible methods shoplifters could use such as the crotch walk, distracting workers and just grabbing things and running out the door.

Link said she schedules the safety workshops at the beginning of the holiday season, because that is when businesses often become targets.

“Sadly, it happens,” she said. “Before we get into the end of October, with Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday, we needed some education before this stuff happens.”

This year’s session was attended, not only by retail businesses, but there were representatives from the Elyria Public Library System, a credit union and a massage therapist.

“It was nice to have all these different kinds of businesses, because we all deal with this,” Link said. “It’s all good stuff to know.”

ERIC BONZAR—THE MORNING JOURNAL Kathy Runser, Elyria Public Library System deputy director, examines a legal $10bill during Main Street Amherst’s Smart Start Business Development Workshop on Oct. 12. Amherst police Lt. Mark Cawthon served as guest speaker of the event.

ERIC BONZAR — THE MORNING JOURNAL Amherst police Lt. Mark Cawthon speaks to attendees of Main Street Amherst’s Smart Start Business Development Workshop on Oct. 12. Cawthon served as guest speaker of the event, where he touched on theft, breaking and entering and robbery prevention...