Mount Gambier retailers fed up with repeat shoplifters are planning to take matters into their own hands by starting a “business watch” group.
Members of the local business community have expressed interest in starting the group to prevent theft and make the community feel safe.
Local traders last week met with Mount Gambier police officers Constable Chelsea McKinnon, Sergeant Matt Hiram and Inspector Karmen Conway to discuss the possibility of forming such a group.
Constable McKinnon gave businesses the option of being a formal Business Watch group or partaking in informal meetings with police.
“As a formalised group we would have access to helpful resources but there would have to be set roles within the group such as an area coordinator, secretary and treasurer,” she said.
“It needs to be driven by you as a group and we as South Australia Police will be a part of that group.
“There is no point in just talking about the same stuff, month after month, and there not being any action or sharing of information to actually improve community safety and the safety of your businesses.
“What it comes down to is an undertaking from you as individuals and businesses to decide whether you have got the capacity, need and desire to formalise that side of things.”
Businesses were quick to weigh on the recent shoplifting occurring in the city, led by Redgum Country owner Wendy Richardson.
“We are becoming a laughingstock because shoplifters are bragging to others about not getting charged for their crimes,” Ms Richardson said.
“This is a game to them and they have to be stopped because I do not want them stealing and encouraging others to do the same because they think they got away with it.
“They see us as a joke because they can still walk down the street and be in our shops after shoplifting in store.”
Constable McKinnon acknowledged the businesses were interested in starting as an informal group and formalising if they were to get a higher number of companies participating.
The group is set to reconvene in February 2022 to engage in further discussions regarding the matters raised.
