FIRMS ON GUARD

SMALL city retailers are ready to dig deep into their pockets to hire
private security guards in a war against drug crime.United Retailers
Association president Lisa Michael, herself a victim of an armed robbery,
has urged small businesses to form Neighborhood Watch-type groups.

She said the thriving heroin trade was ruining legitimate businesses.

"We are soft targets," she said. "You are trying to run a business in tough
times and then some bloody thugs come and steal all your money.

"We should have guards, particularly at closing time."

Ms Michael said landlords should help pay for the guards but retailers
should take the initiative.

"I think landlords should contribute," she said. "I advise other retailers
to band together and put in $10 or so a week and hire a guard."