EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Pawn shops have reported that in these tough economic times, residents are selling everything from digital cameras to jewelry to make a quick buck.

Devon Wright, of South Windsor said times are tight, so while she pounds the pavement, her favorite pastimes will have to wait because she is selling what she can to a pawn shop.

"I have a digital camera and a bunch of CDs," she said.

Jay Sargent, of TC's Pawn Co., said even he is surprised by the spike in business.

"People that you wouldn't expect at a pawn shop getting money, they're at our door now," he said. "We do see an increase over the last four to six months, even since last summer when gas prices were really rising."

He said business is booming, and that people are even turning in Rolex watches and GPS units.

"We hear a lot about people getting laid off, losing jobs, worried about their mortgages," Sargent said. "Heating in the winter is very difficult for a lot of people."

Sargent said the shelves are stocked with everything from instruments to tools to golf clubs.

"People are giving up things they enjoy for necessities right now," he said.

But on the other side are people like the Rev. Ramon Cruz, who said he buys second-hand equipment for his church.

"I come here because I find good deals," he said.