The Perfect Beach Town: The Ugly Truth

Alexia Aultman & Riley Hayes 

April 4, 2024

Theft remains a looming threat for both chain and local businesses in the quaint tourist town of Brookings, Oregon. 

During a recent conversation with Rick Knowlton, an Assistant Store Manager at Fred Meyers, it became clear that theft of alcohol and food occurs almost daily, instilling stress and vexation among the hardworking employees. 

According to Neighborhood Scout, the current crime rate stands at approximately 22 crimes per one thousand residents. 

Crime rates in Brookings began to lower shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The global pandemic lowered crime rates because the majority of the Brookings community wanted to avoid the deadly virus. The citizens of Brookings stayed in their homes, utilizing online shopping resources, avoiding the threat. This was good news for the local community and citizens, keeping them safe, and trying to keep their homes in supply of needed necessities.

As the pandemic’s threat became less of an issue for the small town, businesses and restaurant profits began to increase as the community had more freedom. This new foot traffic was good for businesses losing profits and getting ready to shut down. 

Tourists came to Brookings, leaving the larger cities they knew, thinking they would be safer from the pandemic, only to find out that large groups of people had a similar thought, making the small town just as dangerous as the cities they had left for the tourists and local community. 

Though the pandemic was closer to being over, a new obstacle found its way into the new steadying businesses of Brookings. “More crime took place after COVID ended,” School Resource Officer Ray Branion said. 

Inflation became a large problem, not just for the citizens trying to fuel their vehicles or bring home groceries and toiletries, but for the businesses still trying to make a profit. Another contributing factor was mass unemployment, due to the pandemic. Citizens without jobs were unable to pay for goods and services, some were unable to find a new way to get the items they needed and resorted to thievery, grifting, and panhandling.

 “The pandemic seemed to cause a shift in the homeless population. Housing costs rose dramatically, rents skyrocketed, inflation hit decades-long highs, and incomes were squeezed,” the Curry Coastal Pilot states.

“These businesses were facing a problem of their own, increased thefts. These small-town businesses and large corporations in the small town had to increase their surveillance. This didn’t solve the problem, but it made the issue easier to handle.” Officer Ray Branion said.

As more surveillance was put into place, it became easier for the local police department to identify and apprehend their suspects. 

“The most thefts in the small town took place at their local Fred Meyer store,” Officer Ray Branion said.  Produce and general grocery prices were high, and with the large corporation charging for paper bags, this only frustrated the customers and community more. 

 “Around the holidays, Fred Meyer thefts happen more frequently,” Branion said.

The financial toll of theft on Fred Myers is very large, with the store setting aside a massive amount of money concluding to about $1,000,000 to make up for stolen merchandise. The loss of money due to stolen goods can ultimately result in higher prices for consumers. This issue often leaves customers feeling upset and disappointed upon realizing the extent of the problem. 

Addressing the theft issues at Fred Myers, and local businesses requires a coordinated effort involving not only the store’s management and employees, but also law enforcement, the local government, and the community. By working on a unified front and agreeing on efficient safety measures, we can create a safer, happier environment for Brookings, Oregon. 

Fred Myers has attempted various measures to combat this issue. One measure they take is the use of EOS tags. These tags set off an alarm if unpaid merchandise is passed through the scanners by the store's exit. Additionally, the store employs several paid workers, dressed casually, to patrol the floor, aiming to catch potential thieves in the act. 

However, in the town of Brookings, Oregon, crime is not just happening. In Fred Meyers, a closer look into the situation reveals a serious issue of substance abuse and drug-related problems. Serving as a significant cause for criminal activities in the struggle to meet addiction desires.

To achieve this goal,  David L. DuBois mentions initiating youth outreach and education programs is important. These can play a huge role in steering young individuals from engaging in inappropriate, dangerous behaviors, and criminal activities. If programs offered mentorship, recreational activities, and skill-building opportunities, it would improve the community's overall well-being. 

In today's society, addressing adult theft is almost as prevalent as young adult theft. Mary Gallagher states, “food banks make a huge difference in the household budgets of families in need, but it turns out they’re also an economic engine for their communities, too. Neighbors in Need in Mount Vernon generated between $1.3 million and $3 million annually in the Skagit County economy.” 

This is one of many cases proving that the establishment of more food banks, and creating opportunities for individuals to secure employment can be an effective strategy to combat these pressing issues. 

To begin with, understanding the issues leading to adult theft is essential for solving the prominent issues at hand. Economic hardships, unemployment, and unlimited resource access are often key contributors. Opening more food banks can alleviate financial pressures by providing individuals with the resources to meet their basic needs. The issue with this solution is that too often food banks struggle to find the support to help those in need.

Although providing support to those in need is essential, ensuring security measures is still necessary. Installing security cameras and bright lighting enhances physical security, as well as using their surveillance cameras to full capabilities. By using these measures and taking them seriously it will deter potential criminals but also provide quality evidence for law enforcement. 

Encouraging community collaboration and implementing proactive measures are important steps in combating crime and creating a safer, happier environment. In doing this, businesses will finally be allowed to thrive and move forward financially instead of focusing on damage repair. Fixing the current issues with theft will allow for happier, more satisfied customers and in the long run, more profit for these ever-expanding businesses. 

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/imcomkorea/6924929159