STOCKTON, Calif. — Local business owners in Stockton are facing a concerning rise in retail theft, adding significant stress and financial strain to their operations. Incidents of burglary and vandalism are on the increase, impacting both the emotional well-being of shop owners and their bottom lines.
Jeremy Staedler, owner of Smoke & Meat BBQ, experienced the harsh realities of these crimes first-hand when burglars targeted his restaurant. "The alarm went off at 11:30 p.m. I had just fallen asleep. [It was] a new noise that I had never heard, I saw that it was ADT, somebody broke in. I made it down here in three minutes," Staedler recounted. Despite his quick response, the intruders had already fled, leaving behind $2,000 worth of damage.
Staedler is not alone in his plight. He noted, "I've got a couple friends that own restaurants in town, and, I mean, there have been, I think between the three of us, we've had five break-ins this year." The problem extends beyond the food industry. Yosemite Street Music, a nearby store, has suffered multiple break-ins with several guitars stolen.
However, some have managed to avoid such misfortune. Meli Vanegas, owner of Sweetz Paradise, credits her security measures for keeping her store safe thus far. "I have heard that there has been breaking in on the other side of the building, but it hasn't happened over here. I do have security cameras and an alarm. So I'm taking all precautions for that moment, which I hope it doesn't happen," Vanegas explained.
In response to the escalating issue, the Stockton Police Department has deployed observation trucks, known as "SPOT" vehicles, in high-crime areas. These vehicles are equipped with cameras that record continuously, serving as a deterrent to potential criminals.
Moreover, the city is taking proactive steps to support local businesses. The program Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft (STAART) is set to launch in August, offering grants up to $2,000 for businesses to install surveillance cameras. David Scott from the Stockton Police Department emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating it's a crucial part of their strategy to combat the rising trend of retail theft.
As Stockton businesses confront these challenges, the community's resilience is being tested. The combination of enhanced police measures and upcoming financial support through STAART may provide a needed shield against the surge in crime, but the impact on local entrepreneurs remains significant.
