I feel much safer now...

[Imran M]

knowing that cops are actually watching our backs!

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/toronto/story.html?id=55b40ec8-3d87-4238-9b08-e7544c0cd609

Five arrested, gun seized as police crack alleged ring that targeted massage parlours
Natalie Alcoba, National Post
Published: Friday, August 03, 2007

Police say they have busted a criminal ring that targeted massage parlours and robbed their employees at gunpoint. On Wednesday, Toronto's Holdup Squad, York Regional Police and Peel Regional Police carried out a series of search warrants. Five people were arrested and one shotgun was seized. Police allege the suspects entered the massage parlours under the guise of purchasing a massage, then robbed workers with a firearm. Three 22-year-old men and a 19-year-old woman, all from Toronto, each face one count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and robbery while armed with a firearm. An 18-year-old man also faces four counts of armed robbery. Police believe there are other victims and say the investigation is ongoing.

 

[Memster]

Finally the cops did it right.

Just wonder what take them so long? Do them get full co-operation from those MP's that were robbed? What MP's and SP's are going to do to protect customers and staff?

http://www.massageplanet.net.ca/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=1327145&postcount=7

 

[delhiris]

....capturing the image of people, armed gangs or not, coming in and leaving? Tape record like that will make arrest easier, no?

 

[mary G]

TO - that would also mean you and I would be taped.

Some MPs do this already - I had one MPA who was working alone tell me the owners have a camera pointed at the room doors to make sure they get the proper room fee.

 

[Sence Kitty]

.....of getting robbed or worse getting killed for failed robbery

 

[WindMiller]

They should beam the signal over the internet and tape it offsite
Maybe some spas are already doing this

 

[mellodramatic911]

About time they make some arrest.

 

[Grannyjill]

QUOTE:
> "They should beam the signal over the internet and tape it offsite
> Maybe some spas are already doing this"[/QUOTE]

As far as I know, all spas have entrance cameras recording on videotape. It's for security, and customer counting.
The internet can be used, but it's expensive.

 

[Pompal 09.]

As far as I know, all spas have entrance cameras recording on videotape. It's for security, and customer counting.
The internet can be used, but it's expensive.[/QUOTE]
I can tell you for a fact that they do NOT all have cameras. Most of the little holistic places don't have them. For a small operation it's a cash outlay, and some of these people don't understand the technology.

 

[dmx87]

This sounds like the gang that ripped off PA. One of the big pluses of the old IT was that there was always a Manager on duty, usually a guy, to give the MPA's more security, and there was also closed-circuit TV of the front entrance area, and a locked door after the main entrance.

 

[Yogav]

I am no expert. I am sure there are many readers more knowledgeable than myself. These are just my personal opinions.
Without a cam/VCR, unless the owner is present, there is no way to verify the MPA customer count. Or when she arrived / departed work. Or how long the rooms were in use. You just have to trust her time keeping skills.
It also provides a visual record should customer identification become necessary.
A couple of uncounted customers will justify the installation of a cam/VCR from Costco. Most owners know handymen. Sometimes recruited from their clients. Even a "dummy" camera is better than nothing.
Internet, computers and DVD are expensive, complicated and unnecessary.
Verification of MPA documentation against old fashioned VHS/VCR is cheap and simple. The owner can view tapes where, and when, convenient.
The tapes are also an effective way for an owner to measure the "batting average" of an MPA.
That is, counting how many customer walk-ins stay for a massage.
As far as two way mirrors and hidden cams in the rooms go, I don't think so. They would be too easily discovered by MPAs, customers and inspectors. However, I would not rule out audio recording to guard against FS in the rooms. Some owners will also use trusted customers ask for FS via phone, at the door, or in the room to test MPAs they have suspicions about. Sort of like the "mystery shoppers" you read about stores using for quality control.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Yes it does sound like the gang that ripped off PA. But Durham Regional cops are not included in the arresting task force. Maybe PA didn't report the scary robbery. Who knows.

http://www.massageplanet.net.ca/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=1606512&postcount=17