During the recent holiday shopping season, one of the season’s uglier sides played out on the Port Orchard waterfront. When business owner Lisa Viscomi-Malner of ‘In The Company of Angels’ saw a customer walking out the door with unpaid merchandise she placed the shoplifter in a “tight squeeze” and wouldn’t let go until the police arrived.

Being protective of her store came as second nature to Viscomi-Malner. The typically easygoing and compassionate shop owner suddenly became what she termed “a protective mother bear” and felt like she was defending her den. Knowing her legal rights as a shop owner, which were explained to her by the Port Orchard Police Department, she aggressively asserted herself.

The thief begged Viscomi-Malner to take back almost $200 in stolen merchandise due to both the restraint and verbal assault by the shop owner.

Lisa Viscomi-Malner was not hurt and wants other business owners to know that it’s possible to defend yourself and show shoplifters that should they try to steal, it is not going to be easy.

“In The Company of Angels” is an angel shop with fairy merchandise and special occasion children’s apparel located at 120 Harrison Street along the Port Orchard waterfront.