A rise in commercial thefts in Pierce County has some small businesses one crime away from shutting down.
In 2022, the number of burglaries were up 21% over the last five years. Elected officials are looking to use federal dollars to support increased security tools for businesses.
"The last four years for small businesses, as you know, have been so challenging—with COVID, with the shutdown and everything. A lot of our small businesses, their savings accounts have been drained and they can’t take another theft. I know multiple businesses that their insurance companies canceled them due to two break-ins, three break-ins. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when we’re talking about crime," said Morell.
"The more eyes we can put out there, as far as technology, to focus in on the operations or small businesses, the better off we are to keeping the criminal element away from that business and hopefully out of Pierce County," said Morell.Franchise Brothaz Barber and Beauty is equipped with surveillance cameras and barred doors. Barber Dido Ayala said their business has not been hit with crime, but they would still consider applying for the grant for additional security.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said in Sept. 2023, there were 25 robberies in the county. 19 cases were armed, and 6 cases were strongarm. That’s up from 16 cases total in Sept. 2022.
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