(a) The book or computer records, as well as every article or other thing of value so pawned or pledged, shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Secretary, the sheriff of the county, his deputies, or any members of the police force of any city in the county in which such pawnbroker does business. In addition, the Secretary shall be authorized to inspect the books or records of any business he or she has reasonable cause to believe is conducting pawn transactions and should be licensed under this Act.
     (b) The book or computer records, pawn tickets, or any other records required by the Secretary under this Act or any rule promulgated in accordance with this Act shall be maintained for a period of 3 years after the date on which the record or ticket was prepared. These records and tickets shall be open to inspection of the Secretary at all times during the 3-year period.