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"Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 4, 2001 - 3 Merchants warned after thieves hit local jewelry shop By Rik Davie Port Perry Star The theft of more than $5,000 in jewelry from a Queen St. store Friday afternoon has brought calls for increased vigilance by local retailers as the holiday season gets underway. Durham Regional Police report that sometime on the afternoon of Nov. 30, between about noon and 6 p.m, thieves entered Dana's Goldsmithing on Queen St. in Port Perry and removed a tray of gold bracelets that were valued in the range of $5,000. Staff-Sergeant Jim Douglass of North Durham's 26 Division said that the theft appears to have been a skilled robbery, given the fact that several staff mem- bers were working in the store at the time. "It is unfortunate that we have to remind retailers that at this time of the year they have to be very alert to this type of crime," said Staff-Sgt. Douglass. "Very profes- sional groups will victimize retailers and robberies, as well as break and enters, are on the rise at this time of the year as some individuals find themselves in need of funds." Durham Police offer courses and assistance te busi- ness owners who wish to upgrade the level of their employees in theft prevention methods and the owner of Dana's Goldsmithing is in favour of business owners becoming more aware of this type of crime. "It is a wake-up call for business owners when this type of theft occurs and we have taken steps to see that we are not victimized again," said Dana Forder. Ms. Forder said that it is too bad that small town businesses have to be drawn into theft prevention methods traditionally associated with larger urban areas. "I was raised here and unfortunately we can be a lit- tle too used to the honesty of our community and forget that we as business owners can become victims in this way," Ms. Forder said. "I would urge my fellow business owners to learn a lesson from this and take whatever steps they can to prevent this type of crime." Currently, the case is in the hands of Criminal Investigation Branch detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Regional Police at 1-905-579-1520. Council looks at plans for leaves, Christmas trees and other compostibles Township hopes to offer composting service By J. Peter Hvidsten Port Perry Star Scugog is hoping to provide containers at both the Port Perry and Blackstock transfer sites for leaves, Christmas trees and com- postible materials in the near future. are not provided with leaf pick- up and permits to burn leaves ace not issued, he said. Council was informed that the suggestion has been forwarded to the Region of Durham and that the request is being consid- ered. The idea was brought forward recently by Ward 3 Councillor Jim McMillan who said he has received complaints with respect to the leaf pickup, which is only available in Port Perry and Prince Albert. Other parts of the township Council reluctantly enters into agreement with developer By J. Peter Hvidsten Port Perry Star Despite some reser- vations, councillors pro- ceeded with a bylaw to authorize the execution of a site plan agreement between the township and Stephen J. Nitsa, who is looking to devel- op the corner of Scugog and John Streets. Mr. Nitsa has pur- chased a parcel of land there and opened a pizza shop. He would like to expand the pizzeria and open other retail outlets as well. Township Clerk Kim Coates informed coun- cil that when the munic- ipality has the site plan they can deal with all the problems council- lors may be concerned about. Regional Councillor Ken Carruthers said he was not satisfied that even the site plan will address the problems. "There is no indic- tion he is doing any- thing to address our concerns," he said. Council felt they needed some mecha- nism to make sure the site was in some kind of order before Mr. Nitsa was allowed to open his restaurant. ward 4 Councillor Paul Michel suggested that Mr. Nitsa's letter of credit be increased to at least half of the amount it will cost to complete the project. "If it isn't completed by June 1 (2002), we draw on the letter of credit and do the work," he said. Council agreed with that idea and instructed staff to calculate the cost of completing the paving, boulevards and other site plan work. evenings tull 8:30 pw. & Kids' Sleepwear & Slippers Open this Thursday & Friday a FREE GIFT WRAPPING ¢ CIDER & GOODIES ON WEEKENDS RIN IE for [eS BR@CK'S 168 - 178 Queen Street, Port Perry Sale ends Monday, December 24, 2001 2CKS SRE DRE 28 PIMC AS) S H)5-985-2521 www hrockstore.com