By Mike Hazlip—
Security and theft prevention measures throughout the Sunrise MarketPlace business improvement district have resulted in the recovery of at least $58,000 in stolen merchandise in recent months, according to Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter.
Carpenter said the $58,000 total is from June through November of 2023, an indication that added security patrols by NorCal and a dedicated police officer hired by the district is helping businesses recover some items. She said added security also acts as a deterrent to potential retail thieves.
“Often they don’t even attempt to steal when NorCal shows up, after receiving a call from the store that someone suspicious is hanging out,” Carpenter said.
One focus for the district is preventing vandalism and theft at the now-vacant Boston’s Pizza, which closed in November after three years in business. The franchise location opened in January of 2020, just weeks before pandemic shutdown orders restricted in-person dining, The Sentinel previously reported.
If left un-patrolled, Carpenter said vandalism at the building could make it “unleasable.” She said the former Marie Callender’s and Elephant Bar buildings are already in such a state of disrepair after years of vacancy that they are now unleasable.
Security company NorCal and Citrus Heights Police work together to deter crime and maintain safety throughout the district that includes several hundred businesses located in the Greenback-Sunrise commercial corridor.
The district’s dedicated police patrol officer, Jeff Schouten, recently retired after 17 years on the force and will be replaced by Officer Dan Hansen, Carpenter said.
