Many Greenwich, Conn. Residents None Too Pleased With Apple's New Security Measures

GREENWICH, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- It is security versus serenity along the glitzy shopping strip in this tony Fairfield County town.

The Apple computer store's decision to install a city-style security gate has suburban shoppers shocked, reports CBS 2's Lou Young.

Protecting the iPads and portable computers at the Apple store on upscale Greenwich Avenue has become a controversy along what many consider be our area's version of Rodeo Drive.

The Apple store wants to take security measures some believe are very un-Greenwich-like.

"I do think it would change the ambiance," shopper Dianne Coletti said.

"This is Greenwich. People like things different," Jeff Tausch added.

But the decision to upgrade security comes on the heals an overnight smash and grab by a robbery crew this past December, the type of crime previously unheard of on Greenwich Avenue -- just like the security gate proposed to prevent a repeat.

"I think with today's economy I think they should do it," shopper Gail Cohen said.

The plans indicate the planned gate is well inside the glass at the store and the truth is the town has no authority to control what the merchant does inside. However, since the gate is visible from the outside, Greenwich is asking Apple not to do it.

"The installation of this type of gate on the front of a retail establishment creates a very unsettling atmosphere," First Selectman Peter Tesei said. "We would appeal them to look at some alternative security measures."

Apple isn't alone in being victimized by crime. Betterridge Jewelers on Greenwich Avenue was also hit by smash-and-grab robbers this past winter, but it hired an armed security guard as a deterrent -- an expensive solution not everyone is inclined to follow.

"I think Apple has a right to protect their own store. If it changes the ambiance of the town, that's unfortunate, but that may be a sign of our times," shopper Richard Slagle said.

There was no comment Thursday from Apple headquarters.

There have been no arrests in the Dec. 14 robbery at the Greenwich Apple store.

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