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Downtown Burlington merchants tell Board of Finance retail theft has surged, say streets feel unsafe
Summary
Several downtown property and business owners told the Burlington Board of Finance on Feb. 10 that retail theft and related public‑safety problems on Church Street have grown and are discouraging local shoppers, and they urged the city to allocate more resources to enforcement and prevention.
Several downtown property and business owners told the Burlington Board of Finance on Monday that retail theft on Church Street has grown to “epic proportions” and is driving away local shoppers.
The merchants made their remarks during the Board of Finance public forum at a meeting on Feb. 10 in Burlington. They said repeated thefts and other disorderly behavior on Church Street are hurting employees, customers and downtown foot traffic.
“I thought it was appropriate that I come and speak to the finance committee because this has to do with public safety on Church Street,” said Jeff Nick, a Church Street property owner. “The retail theft...is epic proportions out there on the street. And nobody feels safe, especially store clerks.”
Why it matters: Church Street…
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