Police are calling the 4 mile stretch of the Northern Highway a hot zone, after a string of armed holdups have terrified the business community in that predominantly commercial/industrial area.
The most recent took place last night at the A & R Fuel Depot located at mile one on the Northern Highway. At around 8, just before closing, two young dark skinned men both armed with handguns, stormed into the gas station, one of them masked and the other wearing a cap. After rounding up both security guards and employees at gunpoint, they then demanded money from the Manager. Police Press officer, Sergeant Fitzroy Yearwood told us it was all captured on video.
Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood - Police Press Officer
"A little before 8 o'clock, the manager of the gas station was inside the store when two armed men entered demanding money. She handed over the day's sale, which was a little more than $5,000. Fearing for her life, she ran out the store, leaving the assailants inside. These men then took off with the loot from that place."
Jim McFadzean
"I heard that there was video that captured the incident. Have investigators seen the tape yet? And do you know who you are looking for?"
Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood
"Well, Jim, we have seen the surveilance video, and I believe that investigators have made some progress in the identity of these assailants. We know that the investigators are looking for certain people in connection with this also - also known to them."
Jim McFadzean
"A little over a week ago, the Belize Plastics Recycling Company, by Wiliam Quan Warehouse was held up two young - supposedly men of Creole decent. Might these incidents be related?"
Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood
"Well, Jim, we are looking at that factor also, and we are also studying - police are studying several tips that have come in so far that other businesses that are being targeted - might become victims and might not because we have the information. So we are trying our best to do everything we can deter any further crime of this nature to happen to our business establishment. But to answer your question, we are looking at - probably these person are the same persons who are targeting businesses in that area - if you notice - William Quan Warehouse, the Belize Plastic Company is on the Northern Highway also. So I believe that this is an area that also have a business watch. And we have put our motorcycle patrols in this area, also, to sort of up-tempo our patrols to see what can get, and how we can deter anymore of the crimes in that area."
The police have not yet detained anyone.
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