POLICE, BUSINESSES WORKING TOGETHER IN MARSHFIELD
Friday, March 27th, 2009 -- 2:22 PM
Business owners in downtown Marshfield aren?t just worried about losing business during the massive reconstruction of Central Avenue, they?re also worried the construction project could lead to crimes of opportunity against their storefronts.The project started this week and will run through the summer.
The main street will be shut down to vehicle and foot traffic and streetlights will be removed. That could create a vacuum that encourages criminal damage and burglaries.
Lt. Gary Jepsen with the Marshfield Police Department has been in contact with business owners.
"We recognize the removal of pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic, taking our squads off the street, and the removal of street lamps is going to darken things quite a bit. We understand there is a potential (of crime)," Jepsen notes.
But, there will still be a law enforcement presence downtown.
"We are discussing the issues with the stores, as well as our staff. Even though our vehicles may not be traveling Central Avenue, we will be sure to have foot patrols and bicycle patrols," Jepsen says.
A security expert on their staff sent out some recommendations for wary business owners looking to protect their storefronts.
"It's up to each store owner, but I'm sure some of things they will incorporate," he says.
Recommendations range from leaving exterior lighting on during the night time hours, using temporary, movable light standards to illuminate city blocks and even covering storefront windows with plywood.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.