Police hold security expo for stores

  

Safety is a top priority at shopping centers and stores following the deadly shooting at a Tinley Park Lane Bryant store last month.

The shooting prompted police to hold a security expo so business owners could learn more about store security. High tech gadgets and high-profile experts-- such as Chicago's former top cop-- got a lot of attention.

Police have released a sketch of the suspect in the Lane Bryant shooting, but they say video of the man would have helped in the investigation. Therefore, security cameras are becoming more prevalent at area stores. And, it's not just the big businesses that are recording-- even small stores are making changes.

"That's an expense I never thought I'd have to have, being in Tinley Park --as the Mayor calls Mayberry. And it's not. The world's kind of catching up to us," said Rebecca Nichols, Tinley Park Small Business Owner.

"It could happen to us here, it could happen anywhere. It's a real situation to them," said Ed Zabrocki, mayor, Tinley Park.

All kinds of options are on display at the security expo in Tinley Park. From digital security cameras that never stop rolling to high tech cars that snap photos while moving, big companies like ADT can take care of any size business.

"You need that quality in service and you need a quality in product and the expertise to design the system for you," said Tony Ramos, ADT Security Services.

Smaller local security companies are also there.

"Everyone has different financial needs so we will adjust and asses what they need and put it in for them," said Don Martinez, Digitron Security Systems.

In picking a surveillance system, quality is essential. A business needs to keep a birds' eye view over everything and also be able to ID individual faces.

"What's happening today is just amazing, and you look at the low cost and the high quality that's available out there, it's great," said Phil Cline, former Superintendent, Chicago Police Dept.

Thursday's keynote speaker -- former Chicago Police Superintendent Phil Cline, who now works as a security consultant -- urged all businesses regardless of size to make the investment.

"I think the way it is today it's not a thing of the future anymore, I have a small store, 2 or 3 people and you just don't know what's going on today," said Mike Prisco, Frankfort small business owner.

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