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Task Force Finds Ways To Stop Convenience Store Robberies

POSTED: Tuesday, August 28, 2007

UPDATED: 4:34 pm CDT August 28, 2007

HOUSTON -- Convenience store owners and city leaders teamed up to find ways to prevent violent crimes, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The special task force, formed by Mayor Bill White, presented a report to city council members on Tuesday.

The report showed that violent crimes at convenience stores have decreased 8 percent over recent years.

The group spent eight months researching and evaluating ways to increase safety. They recommended that the Houston Police Department establish a convenience store robbery unit to increase police presence and monitor crime.

Storeowners were also recommended to take a few steps to protect themselves.

"I am requesting, and directing, city employees to work with members of council and stakeholders in drafting ordinances which cover the cash drop boxes, surveillance cameras, silent alarm systems and store lighting," White said.

"Those little things should communicate that it is not convenient to rob stores, and it should be inconvenient for anyone thinking to do so," Councilman Adrian Garcia said.

City officials said the key to improving safety is cooperation between police and storeowners.

The report also recommended creating a DVD to show employees how to protect themselves.

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