6/19/08

Magnetic signs stolen

On Monday, June 2, 2008, I was invited to Bingo with my parents. I took them up on their invite and met up with them at Tulalip Bingo Hall. Now, I have been there a couple times before, but this time was different.

No, I didn't win anything. That's not the issue. I own a small but growing business and utilize my vehicle to advertise my business. I had magnetic signs made to put on my vehicle. They have been on it with no problems until this particular night. I exited about 10 p.m. after Bingo to go to my vehicle and was horrified to find someone had removed both magnetic signs from my vehicle. I was stunned and felt violated by this act of vandalism.

Vandalism is a real threat to all of the public and it doesn’t hit home until we become victims of it personally. There is no reason for magnetic signs being taken off a vehicle. NONE!!!

Change must occur. The patrons of the Bingo Hall must feel secure that nothing will happen to their vehicles while they are playing Bingo. If they targeted my vehicle, what’s going to stop them from targeting the elderly and disabled patrons who play Bingo faithfully?

In order to affect change, we must speak up and that is what I am doing through this letter. Policies and procedures as well as security need to be reassessed by the Bingo Hall management and measures taken to secure their parking lot is safe.

Whether it is increased lighting, video cameras or security patrol, change needs to happen.

Sheila Frazier

President, ESS Inc.