Philadelphia Police have arrested a woman caught on tape pick pocketing at a Center City coffee shop

PR Log (Press Release) – Jul 02, 2009 – Philadelphia Police have arrested a woman caught on tape pick pocketing a customer at a Center City coffee shop.

Ciera Britton, 19, of Philadelphia, taken into custody Wednesday following the theft at the Caffeination coffee shop on Chestnut Street on May 16.

According to police, surveillance footage shows Britton and another woman posed as customers in order to target unsuspecting patrons who left their valuables unattended.

Southeastern, Pennsylvania's MonitorClosely.com installed a digital surveillance system at Caffeination: Philly's Newest Coffee Hot Spot that opened its doors in November of 2008.  "The owner of Caffeination wanted to have peace of mind prior to opening his doors to ensure that his staff and customers had every layer of security and protection in place.  A quality digital surveillance system was a priority for him and he selected MonitorClosely.com system to install in his coffee shop." said Jeff Stein, the owner of the Southeastern MonitorClosely.com franchise.

Retailers lose over $38 billion in inventory shrinkage each year.
Think that doesn't impact you because you're not one of the big guys? 30% of all new businesses fail due to employee dishonesty.

Various businesses, including retailers, bars, restaurants, gas stations, car dealerships and warehouses to name just a few, lose billions of dollars each year due to internal and external thefts and frauds.

Installing digital surveillance equipment provides the business owner the opportunity to take control of their assets, by deterring various crimes from occurring.  If deterrence fails, as in this incident in Philadelphia, PA the CCTV equipment is utilized to document the incident and provide the needed video evidence to the appropriate law enforcement agency.  

Having the proper equipment also increases employee productivity and discourages improper behavior. While at the same time reduces liability and is a solid defense to defend against potential litigations. Technology today also allows for remote monitoring so the business owner can monitor their store, office and properly via the Internet from the comfort of their home.

There is no better evidence than video!  To watch the video of the pick pocketing incident click here:  http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=6823811 of for the full story that aired on Action News 6abc Philadelphia click here:  http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id= ...

"Being able to identify a perpetrator is a great benefit of having a professionally installed camera system, but also has a direct effect on insurance rates and employee performance and productivity. The ability to deliver a system that identifies thefts, frauds and crimes is very rewarding and satisfying especially when the criminal is apprehended by the police." said Stein.


Jeff Stein is a licensed profession investigator in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  He owns MonitorClosely.com franchise in Southeastern, PA and ELPS Private Detective Agency based in Exton, PA.  Jeff is an experienced speaker and lecturer who is in great demand as a subject matter expert on loss prevention and speaks regularly to trade associations, businesses, and schools. Jeff also has had articles published in LP and retail trade magazines and quoted in various news reports on foxnews.com. He can be reached at jstein@elpspda.com   His website is www.ELPSPDA.com