“It’s much better to be proactive:” New security features to increase safety measures in downtown Berlin
BERLIN, Md. – If you’re in the market for the perfect gift this Christmas, World of Toys in Berlin has just about every gadget or game on your list.
As the store gears up for the rush, the owner tells me there’s a growing concern for shoplifters. “Like if a person walked in and walked out, it’s hard to trace them without knowing how they came to town and if they’re a local person,” World of Toys Owner Olga Kozhevnikova said.
Yet, there could be a possible solution.
The town recently received $76,300 in grant funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
The Safe Community Grant will go to install new security cameras in the downtown area. “When we received the grant funding for this, I realized that we have the luxury of being able to act proactively for the residents and businesses of the town of Berlin to keep everybody safe,” Wells said.
Economic & Community Development Director Ivy Wells says these cameras would be placed on all utility poles in the area, providing a full view of all streets and parking lots.
Although there’s no current threat, Wells says: “My philosophy in everything is that it’s much better to be proactive to avoid any kind of situation,” Wells said.
Kozhevnikova tells us the few incidents of theft at her store have been solved by the tight-knit business community.
With cameras already in her store, she says the new layer of protection will hopefully bring a sense of comfort for all. “You can’t take every person as a potential kind of threat to you and your store,” Kozhevnikova said.
“Every time you think that something abnormal could happen, just look at the cameras and pay more attention to your store.”
In addition to those security cameras, the funds will also go to purchase additional barricades and other vehicle barriers to prevent speeding on busy roads.
Towns officials tell us that bids have been approved and those new features are expected to be installed by Spring 2023.
