COLUMBIA, MO. -- As we reported earlier, Columbia police have responded to 5 robberies since the night before Thanksgiving.
No one has been arrested and investigators don’t have a connection between any of the recent robberies.
Authorities said it’s not unusual to see more robberies during the holiday season. That’s why the owner of Mari’s Convenience Store in North Columbia spent thousands of dollars on a new digital security system. The system has more than 40 cameras and a flat screen closed circuit television near the cash register.
Business Owner Rafiqul Khan said, “We have more cameras than any small business like ours. We’re adding more. We feel pretty confident that if somebody comes here we’ll recognize them. At least, we’ll get their picture right.”
Angie Sexton is new on the job. She feels safer knowing more than 40 cameras are watching every move of her customers.
Sexton said, “They’re catching what goes on. If something does happen, they’re on camera and they can be caught.”
Surveillance video can only do so much. Many robbers wear bandannas and masks to hide their faces, making it nearly impossible for investigators to identify their suspects.
Every suspect involved with Columbia’s 5 recent robberies was either wearing a bandanna or a mask over their face.
Khan said, “We pay a little more attention to those people in the parking lot and inside. These cameras and monitor are going to deter lots of people.”
Khan said he has a bigger problem with people stealing merchandise than cash out of the drawer. He hopes his new digital security system makes criminals think twice before robbing his store.
In addition to security cameras, Khan also upgraded his lighting systems in his building and parking lot to help prevent robberies.
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