KANSAS CITY, Mo.– Businesses along Blue Ridge Blvd. in South Kansas City are on high alert. Several businesses have been hit during string of robberies that started in December.
Police and business owners say they’re working together to prevent any more robberies from being committed.
Paul’s has been serving burgers and fries along Blue Ridge Blvd. for more than 50 years. As of yet, the restaurant has never been robbed. But Mike Gregory, the restaurant’s manager says he’s concerned.
“It’s just a shame,” Gregory said. “We’ve seen a lot of orneriness up and down Blue Ridge over the years here and most of it is just senseless. They got what they wanted they could just go ahead and leave.”
The latest robbery happened on January 6 at the Sonic near 104th & Blue Ridge. A guy knocked on the door and asked an employee of a job application.
When she went to get it, he followed her inside and pointed a gun at her while another suspect demanded money from the safe.
“He became impatient or for whatever reason became upset and hit her over the head with the gun,” said Darin Snapp with KCPD.
The suspect hit the woman when she tried to open a second safe. When it apparently took too long, both men ran out and left in a tan four door car with a sunroof. Police say the employee did everything right.
“We tell every employee at convenience stores and restaurants to comply,” Officer Snapp said. “You can’t be replaced the money can and this employee was doing exactly what she was told.”
Now, extra officers are patrolling the area and officer advice to businesses. Employees now say they will pay closer attention to people entering the businesses.
“We are a little more vigilant about getting an eyeball on people when they come in and we’ve reduced our lobby hours,” Gregory said.
The restaurant closes about an hour early most nights because of winter hours. Police aren’t sure if all of the robberies are connected but if they are, the bad guys are getting more aggressive.
“If they’re getting more violent, we need to get them stopped and put them in jail before someone really gets hurt,” Officer Snapp said.
The employee suffered minor injuries during the hold up. If you have any information about the case call the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
