Published: March 24, 2008 11:19 pm      

Store owner thwarts alleged shoplifters

SOMERSET — Crime doesn’t pay – especially at JT’s Swap & Shop.

Noticing that his inventory was mysteriously draining, shop owner Jesse Klink decided to take better notice of who was leaving with what from his West Main Street store.

In one week, he stopped two men accused of attempted shoplifting and restrained them until police arrived.

Klink said he wanted to show that his shop is no easy target.

“It’s not smart to steal,” Klink said. “Don’t steal in here anyway.”

Borough police have charged 24-year-old Mark Bockes of Somerset with trying to make off with a Sony PlayStation, a controller and other video game equipment, and Bob Marley CDs around noon March 10.

Klink, who sustained red marks to his neck and face from the struggle, kept Bockes inside the store until police arrived.

Next, Douglas Chonko, 22, of Somerset allegedly stole nine DVDs from the shop March 15 and returned two days later to try to sell them back.

Police said Chonko got into an argument with Klink and pushed him.

“(He) took off,” Klink said. “But I knew I could take him.”

Klink said Chonko made it outside and a few stores down before Klink was able to restrain him.

Chonko was charged before District Judge Arthur Cook and sent to Somerset County Jail for outstanding bench warrants.