Sheriff’s Dept. works to increase security after string of thefts along El Paseo
This weekend’s burglary at the Gucci store in Palm Desert is the latest in what seems to be a recent rashof thefts along El Paseo.
Last month, Louis Vuitton and the Lucky Brand store were robbed within a week of each other.
“It’s a little disturbing, (we’ll) definitely make sure we’re a little more safe,” said Chris Spencer.
Spencer, the manager at the Daily Grill, just two doors down from Gucci, said the recent burglaries and robberies of several El Paseo businesses has his restaurant stepping up security.
“We just had surveillance cameras installed in our restaurant recently,” he said.
Riverside County Sherrif’s Department Capt. Kevin Vest said there hasn’t necessarily been a trend in the latest crimes along the strip, but investigators have seen an increase.
“It’s just a target-rich environment unfortunately,” he said.
“So, obviously individuals who might be opportunists might seek out this area because of the high-dollar value of merchandise,” said Lt.Lori Marquette.
With the restaurant surrounded by these high-end stores, Spencer hopes the Sheriff’s Department will become more visible beyond the valley’s peak season.
“I definitely wish there was a little more presence, especially with what’s going on lately,” he said.
However, Vest assures citizens the department is working to improve both its prevention and apprehension strategies.
“(Our goalare to) catch those who are doing it, also educate stores owners to try to prevent this from happening. Changing some things in their stores and at the same time put out extra patrols,” he said.
During the summer months, deputies ask shoppers and store employees to take precautions and take action.
“Keep an eye out on people loitering outside the store in a car for an extended amount of time. We know it’s incredibly hot out now so someone sitting in a car for an extended period of time is not normal.”
As part of its crime prevention strategy, the city said its Public Safety Commission is still considering pushing for video surveillance along all of El Paseo, but hasn’t yet recommended it to the City Council.
