Shoplifting presentations for merchants scheduled for May 14 &15

BID, Chamber and Durango Police Department team up to help retailers thwart thieves

Durango, CO – In an effort to help local retailers thwart shoplifting and know what to do if it occurs, the Durango Business Improvement District (BID), Durango Chamber of Commerce and the Durango Police Department will team up to present free, informational sessions on prevention of and responding to shoplifting.

Two sessions are scheduled at the Durango Arts Center, Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 6:30-7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 8:30-9:30 a.m. No reservations are required.
“The BID and Chamber were recently approached by a few merchants who had concerns about shoplifting and wondered what they should do when they see or suspect a thief in their stores,” said Tim Walsworth, BID executive director, noting that the BID had hosted shoplifting training in the past. “It’s apparent that it is time for an update.”
The meetings will feature Sergeant Dave Peterson of the Durango Police Department in a 30-minute presentation. The remaining half of the session will be reserved for questions and answers from the audience. Evening and early morning sessions are scheduled to work around retailers’ regular business hours.

“There are a number of deterrents shop-owners can employ to make their stores less attractive to thieves,” said Jack Llewellyn, director, Chamber of Commerce. “This will be good information for new hires, and a refresher for long-time employees. It is also timely as our busy summer tourism season is fast approaching.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Chamber and appreciate the support of the police department,” added Walsworth. “We’ve got plenty of room in the DAC Theater, so we hope a lot of our local merchants and their employees can join us. The BID and Chamber want to help make our retail business community stronger.”
For further information about the Durango Business Improvement District, visit www.downtowndurango.org. Durango Chamber of Commerce information is available at www.durangobusiness.org.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 2 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office.

The Durango Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Santa Rita Park, is a membership-based organization that promotes and supports the local business economy. Overseen by a board of directors, with 830 members, the Chamber provides business leadership through a variety of resources and programs including Leadership La Plata, Young Professionals of Durango (YPODs), Durango Diplomats, Durango Dollars, Look Local First, and member-to-member networking. Additional programs include Business After Hours, Lunch & Learn and annual Awards Celebration.