California council member, Kalimah Priforce, himself fell victim to a crime while he engaged in conversation with local shopkeepers regarding the safety in the area. He subsequently reported it to the police.
According to Fox News, during his visit to the business owners in Emeryville, California on Monday, Priforce had his wallet and keys stolen from his bike bag.
“A lot of stores that can’t afford private guards need panic buttons, a direct line to the police, so they don’t have to actually pick up the phone [and] call the police dispatch,” he was quoted saying by CBS News Bay Area.
Priforce added that the city should take stronger measures to safeguard local businesses. In a conversation with Fox KTVU, he mentioned the importance of improved readiness, better cameras, better surveillance, and more effective methods to ensure the safety of local businesses.