Spate of robberies spurs cops’ advisory

By JOE MEYER of the Tribune’s staff

Published Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A recent increase in robberies at Columbia businesses has police issuing reminders of ways for businesses to prevent crime.

Columbia police Sgt. Lloyd Simons rattled off a series of robberies that have occurred in recent days.

The most recent example was yesterday morning at Bandana’s BBQ, where an armed intruder entered through a back door as two managers were preparing to open the restaurant. The suspect struck one of the managers on the head with a handgun and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

That robbery came a day after the Fast Lane 66 on West Boulevard North was robbed at gunpoint early Sunday.

In the past week, two pizza delivery drivers also have been the targets of robbery attempts. Five or six men on Sept. 16 attempted to rob a Domino’s driver in Sunset Mobile Home Park, and an Imo’s Pizza driver was robbed Friday night on Elleta Boulevard, Simons said.

There also were two bank robberies within a two-day period last month.

Simons said he did not have exact numbers for recent robberies involving businesses.

"Historically, we do get a spike prior to Christmas," Simons said of holdup trends. "This seems to be a little earlier than normal."

It’s unknown what is driving the upswing in crime, and police have not determined whether any incidents are related, Simons said. The police department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the cases.

Could a declining economy be to blame?

"That could be one factor playing into the equation," Simons said. "People are starting to get desperate."

Tips distributed by the police department include keeping as little cash on hand as possible and making sure the exterior of a business is well lit. Making sure to close and lock back and side doors also is recommended, as are surveillance systems.

"It could be the one little factor that makes the robber go to the next business, not yours," Simons said of surveillance cameras.

But Simons said the most important thing is to be aware of suspicious activities and call police if there are any nearby. "We want people not to hesitate to call us," he said. "We want to get these guys."

Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Don Laird said he has noticed a trend in increased robberies, but not particularly at businesses. He said preventing all crime is important for the safety of business employees and customers.

Laird deferred to police on offering prevention tips but said there is no golden rule for every business. "Each one’s different depending on their hours of operation, location" and ways they handle money, Laird said.

Reach Joe Meyer at (573) 815-1718 or jmeyer@tribmail.com.