GREELEY — A new city ordinance will require Greeley pawnbrokers to photograph any customer who makes a sale, beginning in mid-January.
The ordinance passed by the City Council in July also requires that pawnbrokers make a video record of all transactions and join a free Internet-based service that helps police track thieves and stolen goods.
Some pawnbrokers think the new rules essentially amount to a violation of privacy that may drive away customers.
“I feel it’s a violation of my constitutional right to make a transaction without having the government stand over my shoulder,” said Cliff Edens, owner of American Pawn Shop.
Steve Adsit, manager of Mister Money, said his shop has been photographing customers after transactions for more than a year. He said it helps his business cooperate with police investigations.
“I don’t think it hurts business anyway,” Adsit said. “What hurts our business is people bringing stolen goods in.”
