EDMONTON – Optometrists in southwest Edmonton are beefing up security after a number of them were broken into over the last three months.
At least six optometry stores were victims of after-hours smash and grabs.
The Capital Vision Care store in Riverbend Square was recently targeted twice within a three week span.
On Nov. 19, surveillance video captured the suspects with scarves obscuring their faces, as they threw a rock through the window and then kicked their way inside.
The pair stole thousands of dollars worth of brand name sunglasses off window displays.
“We used to have three of these floater shelves that each held a pair of sunglasses. So in the initial break-in, the successful one, they were able to swipe about 75 per cent of our sunglasses that were hanging on these shelves,” said optometric assistant Andre Prevost.
Just days after the glass was replaced, thieves were at it again – using the same technique.
“It just kind of sucks,” Prevost said, “because you come into work and you know that people could be looking at your store looking to break in and not actually see the merchandise or spend money in the store.”
Since the incidents, Capital Vision Care has taken steps to increase security. Additional surveillance video has been added and protective security gates will soon be installed on each window. The layout of the store was also redesigned so product is not as visible from the outside.
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Capital Vision Care is not the only store that has been targeted. Century Vision Care was broken into in a very similar fashion.
“They threw a rock through the front window, which triggered the alarm. They came in and these particular sunglasses were all locked up, so they ripped the whole board off and took it,” explained optometrist Scott Lopetinsky.
The crimes changed the way Century Vision Care does business.
“Since we’ve heard of a few others happening, we’ve taken the sunglasses right out for the night, which is a little bit of an inconvenience but it minimizes the risk,” Lopetinsky said. “Sunglasses are an easy thing to try and sell so my best guess is they’re probably waiting a bit, putting them online and selling them.”
After being broken into, Century Vision Care called the Edmonton Police Service for a free crime prevention assessment and took the feedback to heart.
“Things like having an alarm, video surveillance 24/7,” Lopetinsky said. “Even little things like lighting, keeping our lights on at night, keeping our blinds open, visibility open – because we’re in a high-traffic area.”
He said he hopes other businesses can learn from his experience and increase security before having to make an insurance claim.
“It’s a real inconvenience for any business owner to be broken into. We had to close for the day, et cetera. It makes us think more about safety,” he explained.
When asked to comment on the thefts, Edmonton police said the smash and grabs are random and unpredictable.
“It is, however, prudent for businesses to employ video surveillance of their premises when and if possible,” said Scott Pattison, spokesperson for EPS.
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