UNIONTOWN, Pa. — Authorities have charged two former employees with stealing $6,000 from the safe of a Jersey Mike’s in South Union Township.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Terrell Watson and 24-year-old Wesley Haynes, entered the sandwich shop on West Main Street on Nov. 4 and emptied the safe before fleeing with the cash. Both men are former employees of the location.
Small business owners in the area are voicing their concerns about the challenges of maintaining security, especially during the busy holiday season.
“Always have cameras on the register. Always have cameras in your hidden spots,” advised Benjamin Venick, owner of Rizz’s restaurant and bar, located about a mile and a half away. Venick emphasized the importance of vigilance, not just among employees but also customers. “Have your customers always looking out, like your regulars. Make sure they’re always looking to see if there’s anything suspicious going on and have them get back to you,” he said.
Preventing Incidents Before They Happen
Cases like this highlight the need for businesses to adopt proactive security measures that go beyond traditional surveillance. Solutions like managed access control systems and credential tracking, offered by companies such as Amphion, provide an added layer of protection. By restricting access to safes and other sensitive areas through advanced keying systems, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of internal theft.
Amphion’s integrated solutions also include audit trails, allowing business owners to monitor access points and detect unusual activity in real time. These measures not only deter theft but also provide valuable evidence if a security breach occurs. Proactive systems like these can help businesses create a more secure environment, preventing incidents like the one at Jersey Mike’s from happening in the first place.
Watson and Haynes currently have warrants out for their arrest. Jersey Mike’s has not provided a statement regarding the incident.
