Commercial Thefts Prompt Police Alert

Following last week's theft of $546 from a store safe at Kelloggs & Lawrence, Bedford police issued an advisory Tuesday afternoon to business owners to keep their eyes out for suspicious groups of unknown people entering their stores.

"There have been several "distraction" type larcenies in the area. The public should be alert to any suspicious activity and notify the police immediately," read the alert, sent Tuesday afternoon through the police Nixle notification system.

Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Dickan said it was the hardware store theft on Nov. 29—reported after a group of unfamiliar people entered the store—and a Nov. 30 report of "suspicious individuals" at Mrs. Green's that prompted the alert.

"This time of year, residents and store owners are busier than ever and vulnerability runs high," he said.

Bart Tyler, who owns Kelloggs & Lawrence with his wife, Diana Tyler, said he hoped the business community realized theft could happen anywhere, even in Katonah.

"It's peak season for those of us in retail and criminals are aware of that fact," he said. He also urged store owners to watch out for groups of unfamiliar people and encouraged their review of vulnerabilities to cash and merchandise theft.

"Perhaps merchants can call in an outside expert to help review their situation to help reduce their store's exposure to theft," he said.

Katonah Chamber of Commerce co-president Chris Roberts last week said he hoped to meet with police officials to help educate the organization's members about potential risks.

Dickan said he would happily work with the Katonah Chamber of Commerce to share crime prevention tips with local merchants.

"The costs of surveillance equipment can be difficult for small business owners to bear, but there are some easy ways for them to protect themselves," he said, "such as never leaving cash unattended."

He also said some web-based video cameras are a low-cost way to both deter crime and help investigate incidents if they occur.