Businesses in the Fox Cities on high alert tonight after four armed robberies in the area in just two weeks. NBC26's Eric Crest tells us how retailers and police are preparing for the next one.
Four armed robberies all within a few miles of each other all happened mid-afternoon, when business is slow. But police say that doesn't necessarily mean they're all connected, though they have not ruled that out.
From Zza Odyssey Pizza on December 30th,to Secrets Lingerie on January 5th, the to Cartridge World on the 7th and ultimately the Family Dollar on the 11th the robberies all have similarities.
"That individual did display a gun, demanded money and fled," says Sgt. Dave Lund of the Appleton Police.
All those retailers are located just off of or near North Richmond Street from Appleton to Grand Chute. And for businesses around here, it's what they're talking about.
"I would hope so. Especially with their employees," says Wade Vanryzin the owner of Galaxy Science and Hobby Center in Appleton.
At Galaxy Science and Hobby Center, Vanryzin is warning his employees that after four armed robberies they have to be aware of what could happen.
"You gotta talk to people ahead of time and let them know what to do and what not to do," says Vanryzin.
First and foremost police say don't be a hero, give up the money. But if you notice someone covering their face indoors, appearing to try to conceal their identity, call the cops as soon as you can.
“If somebody feels uncomfortable and feels that the behavior they are seeing is suspicious we ask them to call us,” adds Sgt. Lund.
"The value of merchandise isn't out weighed by the value of human life," says Vanryzin.
Because odds are whoever is holding small businesses up in the Fox Cities is that they'll strike again.
Police say they don't have too much information to work with right now as far as physical appearance of the robbery suspect. Which is why they're telling businesses to be prepared and on the lookout. Appleton Police say tips continue to come in and they are not ruling out that there may be more than one person.
Currently they're looking for a man that is about six feet tall who wore sunglasses and a hoodie. If you have any information on these robberies you're asked to call the police.
