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We had an attempted theft that we caught on camera - watch video below. Seems as the days go by my artists are finding more items that have grown legs and walked away. We are taking action to protect their inventories by installing an additional camera system for both of our rooms, hanging signs telling guests that we have the camera systems and one artist has had to put a cable system in to anchor her expensive purses.

The busy season is upon us and sadly I see this getting worse.

I am asking my artists to request guests that come in with large bags to leave them at the desk or refuse service.

For their protection we are also having mace bottles available so they feel safer and hope they do not need to use them.

When we had the attempted theft caught on camera, I plastered it all over Facebook to alert others.

The funny thing is I had just a few days prior installed two cameras in that room.

When people walk in the door my artists always talk with guests and this time was no different.

The funnier thing is the person who attempted the theft told the artist on duty that he lived in the apartments by the bridge and was waiting for the 10:30 a.m.

bus to Mount Vernon.

He was asked to leave his bag by the door and did so but when he walked into our back showroom he stuffed the bag in his coat.

My artist was a boarder patrol officer and saw him do it so she yelled “put it back,” ran into the back room, yelled again and told him to get out. We did contact and report the problem with authorities. When I posted online, Greg Westover of the Olive Shoppe said, “I bet he was wearing ...” which was absolutely true! I received a number of messages from other business owners that are having problems with this individual, but the authorities have not been successful at finding him.

It seems there may be more sticky fingers than this one person. I personally believe that others should be made aware and take necessary precautions. I have notified Mayor Ramon Hayes and Heather Carter , director of the Chamber of Commerce, who I hope will notify chamber members; but not all businesses are members.

I am not interested in writing a letter to the editor because I think this is so important that an article should be written and plastered on the front page.