BOSTON POLICE REPORT SLIGHT INCREASE IN COMMERCIAL ROBBERIES
Officers Work Closely with Store Owners and other Local Law Enforcement Partners

The Boston Police Department reports that there were CORRECTION: five (earlier post indicated seven) more incidents of commercial robbery reported in 2009 than 2008 resulting in a 2% increase. Six police districts reported a decline in incidents, while four police districts indicated an increase.

The Boston Police Department is working closely with the BRIC (intelligence center), other local law enforcement partners and local store owners to maximize public safety efforts in this area.

The department has increased visibility in identified areas. Officers have been meeting with local store owners to provide security tips and techniques to enhance safety at their locations. The department has been aggressively disseminating surveillance images and information to encourage the assistance of community members. Officers will also be going door-to-door in identified neighborhoods with CrimeStoppers information and surveillance images to obtain any additional information.

Safety Tips for Store Owners:
• Review your security systems for effectiveness
• Remove all obstructions from windows and counter tops
• Be sure you are capturing efficient security video
• Place a measurement tape near the doorways in a location that can easily assess suspect height on video
• Comply with suspect’s demands
• Concentrate on getting good physical description of the assailants
• Immediately call 911 as soon as the robbery occurs

Contact Information:
The Boston Police Department urges any community members with information regarding commercial robberies to call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity.

Statistical Information:
The Commercial Robbery category includes convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants etc.

BOSTON POLICE REPORT SLIGHT INCREASE IN COMMERCIAL ROBBERIES
Officers Work Closely with Store Owners and other Local Law Enforcement Partners

The Boston Police Department reports that there were CORRECTION: five (earlier post indicated seven) more incidents of commercial robbery reported in 2009 than 2008 resulting in a 2% increase. Six police districts reported a decline in incidents, while four police districts indicated an increase.

The Boston Police Department is working closely with the BRIC (intelligence center), other local law enforcement partners and local store owners to maximize public safety efforts in this area.

The department has increased visibility in identified areas. Officers have been meeting with local store owners to provide security tips and techniques to enhance safety at their locations. The department has been aggressively disseminating surveillance images and information to encourage the assistance of community members. Officers will also be going door-to-door in identified neighborhoods with CrimeStoppers information and surveillance images to obtain any additional information.

Safety Tips for Store Owners:
• Review your security systems for effectiveness
• Remove all obstructions from windows and counter tops
• Be sure you are capturing efficient security video
• Place a measurement tape near the doorways in a location that can easily assess suspect height on video
• Comply with suspect’s demands
• Concentrate on getting good physical description of the assailants
• Immediately call 911 as soon as the robbery occurs

Contact Information:
The Boston Police Department urges any community members with information regarding commercial robberies to call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity.

Statistical Information:
The Commercial Robbery category includes convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants etc.