RESOURCES

 Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:22:17 -0700
> From: ram1019@sbcglobal.net
> Subject: Mall Theft Alert - Aug. 21st, 2008
> To: ram1019@sbcglobal.net
>
> Hello Everyone,
> Here are some alert updates . . .
> Recently a well known dealer and appraiser from Stoughton, WI was caught stealing from the Stoughton Antique Mall. No charges have been pressed at this time so we are not able to release his name. If you are within a reasonable distance from Stoughton, you should be aware of this and could possibly contact the Stoughton Mall directly for more information.
>
> Also if you haven't seen the latest issues of Antique Week you may have missed the articles on the theft groups hitting malls in Indiana . One report is of a white male in his 50's or 60's accompanied by 4 -5 black females ranging in age from 15-30. They had keys that opened showcases and stole thousands of dollars of gold and jewelry.
>
> Also in working their way through the state and possibly part of a well-organized ring was a white male (late 50's early 60's) apx 6' tall, slender build, accompanied by a white female between 5'2" and 5'4" tall, short blond hair, slightly heavier build. Once again one used the distraction ploy while the other broke into cases and took jewelry, gold and silver items. The police believe the theives are part of a ring moving through Indiana and Michigan.
>
> Although this may not be close to most of us, if they are successful they could very well move into our areas. Please keep alert . . . it is easy to become lax when you go a period without problems.
>
> Suggestions to Better Protect Yourselves:
>
> 1. Do not get distracted when shoppers are in your store. (often personal conversations with acquaintances, the daily paper, or other mall responsibilities can make you less attentive to shoppers)
>
> 2. DO TALK WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS. While judging whether or not a customer is a threat is difficult, at least if you engage in conversation and later find out you were robbed, you will have more information as well as a better memory of what they looked like.
>
> 3. Check your locked cases on a regular basis so that if a theft is discovered the time frame during which it occured can be narrowed down and aid in identifying suspects.
>
> 4. As discovered with the Stoughton theft, it is good policy for all dealers to check their boxes with management before exiting the mall.
> Also have staff observe and loading and loading through back doors.
>
> 5. Ask customers to refrain from bringing in large bags or backpacks. This has become much more of an issue with the popular style of enormous handbags. We have lockers available for customers at no charge and while a few are offended, most are open to the idea. I think as this policy becomes more widespread less will find it offensive.
>
> We must do all that we can to keep from becoming easy targets. Be attentive . . . keep as many people working the floor as you possibly can . . . be a constant presence but be friendly and helpful; you want your presence to aid in sales but deter theft all at the same time!
>
> As the season of jackets draws near we must continue to be as alert as possible. Please send any concerns, tips, or information related to this topic on to me and I will relay it to the group.
>
> Good Luck,
> Gaylene Stomberg
> Roscoe Antique Mall of South Beloit, IL