And so while it is a permanent speak-easy basis for commercial sex work, the robbers have been having their way with grocery stores owners. This week alone we have been telling you about multiple, armed violent assaults at grocery stores.
The commissioner says they are doing what they can:
Reporter
"We've seen 3 more armed robberies at grocery stores. Now we know we have 2 factors just regular criminality, but there is also social desperation; people have lost income, those who were hustling have lost their hustle maybe and so we are seeing these crimes of opportunity they might be called, but they are orchestrated, brazen, lawless, and they are on camera and its frightening to see. What are you all able to do about these crimes?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Again, it is difficult, for the simple fact that the law requires that people must wear a mask. Now we are seeing that some people are over doing it and every time we look at the cases of robbery, we are seeing that the perpetrator is wearing beyond a mask. but in the same vein and this is what makes it difficult is that there are a number of persons out there who are desperate and whatever opportunity they may see to get some money or get something to themselves with that desperation then they are going to take that opportunity and so I want to appeal to business people try as best as you can not to keep too much money in your store or on hand, leave the cash register with as little money as possible only to give change and monitor those persons who are coming into your place. If it is they have gotten in and they put a gun on you please don't fight them for money, let them have the money and let them go about their business. But from a law enforcement standpoint we are going to do what we can to try to prevent these occurrences as much as possible, but I know we will not be able to prevent all and so I ask the public again to work with us. If you know these persons who go and do these acts, because if they are from your community, from your home, doesn't care how covered they are, you will know who they are. If it is that is the case you can use 0-800-922-TIP number, call in and give the tip. If it is successful you will get a reward for the information you provide."
Reporter
"This week alone we had the one on College Road, then we had the one in Sandhill where the man was leaving the store and we also had the one yesterday in Belize City on New Road."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Let me say to the people of Sandhill, I think that effective yesterday Sandhill officially became a sub formation, so Sandhill now have a complement of officers, not one or two anymore. I think there are up to 12 officers now in Sandhill and again, you will see that most of the areas that these robberies are occurring are not areas where the police would normally be patrolling and so we have to look at our patrolling strategy from a more broader spectrum to include other areas."
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