Seminar tonight addresses rise in small-business robberies

So far in the fourth quarter, 46 commercial robberies have occurred across Springfield, up from 32 commercial robberies reported in fourth-quarter 2005. Many of those have taken place in convenience stores and pharmacies.

In all of the robberies, force has been threatened or implied. The department warns that the risk to businesses is significant and will likely increase as Christmas nears.

To help employers protect against robberies, a robbery prevention seminar will be held 7–9 p.m. in the Community Room at the South District Station, 2620 W. Battlefield. The department’s crime prevention expert, Officer Shawn Burks, will present on the topic, and a question-and-answer segment will follow.

To attend, call Burks at (417) 874-2113 or e-mail him at sburks@ci.springfield.mo.us to notify the department of how many people will attend. Space is limited to 60 people; if additional people wish to attend, a second seminar will be scheduled.