Robberies have frustrated liquor store owner asking for relief

Rising crime has frustrated local Lamont business owner Mark Lee. 

Lee’s business, Sunshine Liquor Store, has been victimized by crime three times in the past five years. As a result, Lee said he no longer qualifies for business insurance.

“I don’t know what we will do,” said Lee. “The insurance company wouldn’t insure us any longer after the last break in.”

Lee added that the crimes have cost him in excess of $10,000 in repairs and lost merchandise. 

“Insurance would only cover so much,” he said. “The rest came out of my pocket.”

A frustrated Lee submitted a letter on Mar. 13 to Lamont town council requesting financial assistance in the form of tax reduction. Currently, Lee said he pays approximately $4,000 per year in taxes. In addition to a reduction in taxes, Lee said he would also like to see larger police presence in the town. 

“I would like to be considered for a 50 per cent reduction in my municipal taxes for 2020, this would help me to provide security upgrades for the front of my store and remain in business,” Lee wrote.

On May 12, Lee appeared before council via zoom to discuss his request, in which he adjusted the tax reduction amount from 50 percent to 75 percent.

“I realized after requesting 50 percent that it wasn’t going to be enough,” said Lee. “I will need a 75 percent reduction to keep my business running.”

During the council meeting on May 12, Lamont town chief administrative officer Christine Beveridge mentioned supports the town has already provided to Lee.

“We have provided supports in the way of crime deterrent information and I’m not prepared to give a recommendation at this time (for a tax reduction),” she said.

Mayor Bill Skinner then mentioned to Lee that he would be notified once council made a decision on his request but did not indicate when that would be.
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In the meantime, Lee said he is beefing up his security even further in hopes of avoiding another break-in.

“I am paying out of my own pocket for this (security measure) and I hope it works,” he said. 

Lee did not provide details on his new security measure.

The last break-in for Lee happened in June 2019 when a stolen vehicle rammed through the front door of his liquor store at approximately 4:00 am on June 12.

Despite security bars, and an alarm system with surveillance cameras, the criminals escaped with the cash register and some liquor.

Another break-in happened in Sept. of 2017 when two trucks were used to ram the front entry way. An armed robbery occurred in 2016. 

In each instance surveillance footage was captured of the criminals and turned over to the police. 

Lee said he has never been notified if any of the perpetrators were ever caught.

Jana Semeniuk

Read THE REST OF THE STORY in the full May 20 edition of The Lamont Leader – on newsstands now or read the digital version below:

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