Recent rash of violent crimes concerns Mayor

Fortunately none of the workers have been hurt in any of the incidents so far however Dionne worries that next time someone may not be so lucky.

“If they’re that strung out on drugs, one day they’re going to harm the clerk,” he said.

During the first round of ward meetings last month, some residents suggested the city impose a bylaw prohibiting 24-hour convenience stores in the city.

Dionne is not in favour of that idea.

“Some armed robberies happen at 3 o’clock in the afternoon and the other thing is those stores that are open at night, are open for a reason. Most of them are on 2nd Avenue and they’re getting gas, they’re all gas stations. They’re not just a convenience store and we are the gateway to the north and lots of people driving north are using them to fill up,” said Dionne.

Prince Albert Police have not said whether the robberies are related, only that they are considering that as part of the investigation.

Mayor Dionne said he will be raising his concerns to council, and he is encouraging business owners to think about stepping up security measures for their staff.

“Some stores I’ve been to in the east (side of the city), their counter in the store is designed where the clerk is actually in a protective cage.”

paNOW did speak with the business owner on 2nd Ave West that was targeted recently.

He did not wish to have his name published but said his staff followed protocols accordingly and he did not feel the need to increase security.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Recent rash of violent crimes concerns Mayor

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