Sheriff: Increase in Armed Robberies ‘Drastic’

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) — There were 81 commercial armed robberies last year in Richland County. This year, there have already been 91, and the holiday season, a time when crime goes up, hasn’t even fully arrived. Local law enforcement is sending send a clear message of safety and prevention to criminals, commercial business owners and the community. With 10 more armed robberies at area stores this year than all of last year in Richland County, Sheriff Lott warns business owners, their employees and customers to wise up before a rash of break-ins gets worse. “From Kershaw County all the way down to Aiken and Augusta, these robbers are traveling and hitting different places,” said Richland County Sheriff leon Lott. Striking back with prevention, Lott is reminding proprietors of a free service through the department. Deputies will come out to the business, conduct a safety survey, educate owners and employees and make suggestions on how to safeguard their property and their bottom line against thieves. Larry Sharpe, who owns nearly a dozen midlands convenience stores, sees the benefits. “They do drive-thrus, they know our store hours, and associate with the employees. That means a lot,” said Sharpe. “We do a lot of surveillance, lighting. We’re as prepared as we can be with the Department’s help.” That’s a trend police hope continues, in spite of criminals. “The good news is we are catching them.” In addition to putting criminals and commercial business owners on notice, law enforcement officials want the community to stay alert. They say a vast majority of arrests happen because someone like you makes that all important call to police. Speaking of the community, Crimestoppers, the national organization based on community-assisted crime solving, celebrates 30-years Friday.