Providence Convenience Stores Are Being Targeted for Robberies
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
An armed robbery this week in Providence is part of what Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements is calling an "uptick” in convenience stores being the targets of crime in the city in recent months.
On Tuesday, a man with a large steel knife threatened a cashier at Sam’s Food Mart on Manton Avenue and robbed the store of cash before fleeing, marking the latest episode of minimart robberies -- and more -- in Providence.
“What we do on these, we get as much info as possible — video and photos, as well as ancillary information and info from surrounding areas," said Clements. "We know with these types of crimes, where it’s a pattern and the same people, it will continue until we capture them and make a criminal case. That’s been our experience.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCommercial Crime
The Manton Avenue food mart robbery is just the latest in convenience and other commercial stores being the targets of crime in Providence
On January 12, police were called to the Broadway Express Mart at 306 Broadway for a report of a stabbing during an attempted robbery. According to police, the store clerk shot at the suspect who had brandished a knife demanding money — and a customer who had attempted to stop the suspect from leaving the store was stabbed.
On December 26, police responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a pizzeria on Douglas Avenue. When police arrived, they found that workers had detained who they said was the suspect -- after he had been punched in the face by a cook.
Christmas Eve saw a robbery at a Family Dollar store in the city -- where the suspect reportedly threatened to kill store employees.
On November 16, police were called to Happy Mart located at 927 Eddy Street for a report of a robbery. The cashier told police that a man bearing a long firearm came into the store and demanded he empty the register. The suspect reportedly took the money and fled the store on foot. Police then reported that at approximately 5 PM, they responded to another call of an armed robbery at the same store.
On November 14, following a report of a robbery, the clerk at Arm Market on Academy Avenue told police a male entered the store, approached the counter and brandished a knife, demanding money. According to the clerk, the suspect proceeded to come behind the counter, taking cash from the register as well as cigarettes.
On November 2, police responded to a call for an armed robbery at Union Liquors on Admiral Street. The clerk told police that a man came into the store, pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun, and demanded the store’s money.
After several instances where people attempted to stop the crimes themselves, Clements warned the public.
“We generally say that we don’t want to have people get in the middle. There have been occasions where people have stepped up and performed great acts of courage to help make an ID or arrest, however, we do not encourage that,” said Clements. “If someone has a weapon it’s not wise.”
Clements said he sees the latest trend as being the result of several factors, including the economy — and addiction.
“I think both factors come into play,’ said Clements. “The individual crimes ebb and flow — they are crimes of opportunity. These criminals are taking their shot. And a lot of times there’s addiction involved.”
Related Articles
- Bank Robbery in Providence Reported Thursday Morning — Second in Two Days
- Thanksgiving Day Armed Robbery Reported in Providence
- Providence Police Investigating Armed Robbery at Convenience Store
- Police Apprehend Suspect in Downtown Providence Bank Robbery on Monday
- Police Investigating Report of Robbery at Gunpoint at Providence Liquor Store Over Weekend
- Customer Stabbed During Robbery at Providence Convenience Mart - Store Clerk Shot at Suspect
- Providence Police Make Arrest in Recent Citizens Bank Robbery in Kennedy Plaza
- Bank Robbery Reported in Providence Wednesday Morning — Police Investigating
- Last Minute Christmas Eve Robbery at Family Dollar Store in Providence
- Attempted Robbery of Providence Pizzeria Stopped When Suspect Punched in Face by Cook
- Robbery at Gunpoint Reported at Providence Gas Station, Police Investigating
