A downtown store owner says having security guards at his business periodically is for the protection of his staff after several break-ins and thefts.
Lucas Cleveland who owns the Market and Smor located at 39 King Street East in Cobourg spoke to Today’s Northumberland on April 9, 2025 stating over the last seven months due to the break-ins and thefts, the loss has been approximately $30,000.
“More importantly as an employer, I employee a lot of women as well as a lot of 17, 18 and 19-year-olds.
Their security and their safety is of my prime concern.”
“I have a duty as a employer to ensure the safety and security of my staff are of paramount concern.”
Because of the issues in the area, Cleveland said it was the responsible decision to hire security to reduce theft and ensure staff feel safe.
Security measures have also been upgraded with security cameras.
“We have taken a very proactive approach to ensuring the safety of our staff.”
Cleveland who is also the mayor for the Town of Cobourg states firmly the business is separate from his role as the mayor.
“I have responsibilities outside of my mayoral role. So hiring of security firm to provide security as well as to have them show up if my safe feel unsafe – through the installation of security cameras and through working with police to trespass individuals who are known to consistently and regularly commit crimes on the premise. We’re not doing it for any other reason than to protect our staff and patrons.”
As the Mayor, a business owner and a person who lives downtown Cleveland states her firmly believes the downtown is safe.
“I walk with my child and my partners children all the time. We choose to believe in the goodness of this community. We know that there are individuals in this community who need help, and who are vulnerable.”
Cleveland also added the Cobourg Police Service are doing all they can and are required to follow federal law.
“I think our Cobourg Police Service are doing a phenomenal job. We’ve seen the Chief step forward with patrols on the street. We’ve seen proactive community based policing, we’ve seen multiple public engagements.”
Cleveland also commends Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty and Councillor Adam Bureau are doing a good job as Bureau is Chair and Beatty is a member of the Cobourg Police Services Board.
“Improvements are not a overnight thing. As we’ve seen the Chief working towards that improvement in his force and to combat the ever changing situation regarding homelessness, mental health and addictions, we have to respect that the police can do what they can do within the confines of their responsibilities.”
Today’s Northumberland has also learned that approximately five days ago the business was put up for sale listed at $499,000.
The listing states, “The Market and Smor is a popular and successful market and grocery store with a full commercial kitchen available in downtown Cobourg. The Market & SMOR has been the talk of the town since it opened in 2016 and has an excellent track record. Profitable for ownership and boasting excellent sales. 2,500 Sq Ft layout that contains the produce market, bakery, tons of retail, and a full commercial kitchen with a 9-ft hood, tons of equipment, prep area, and more. There are two large walk-in fridges to accommodate the produce and in-house made prepared food. Excellent lease rate of only $3,900 Gross Rent including TMI with 5 + 5 years remaining. Liquor license for 15 with retail sales. Available with the recipes, training, and goodwill.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
