In the last week, there have been a string of robberies at gas stations and parking lots of popular retailers in South Florida. A large percentage of the negligent security cases The Haggard Law Firm has litigated in the last decade have included violent incidents involving these types of businesses. Cases like Snell VS Family Food Saver II, CORP which occurred on the property of a gas station and Pilotos v. Ryta Food Corp which was a deadly shooting in the parking lot of a grocery store.
Following the most recent news, Haggard Law Attorney Todd Michaels said:
“Every business owner who holds themselves open to the public has a duty to assess the risk of crime occurring on their property, and to implement adequate security based on that risk. All too often, we have seen business owners fail to do so, and the result is both tragic and predictable. Unless business owners are doing their part, there is little that the police or individuals themselves can do to remain safe.”
FULL ARTICLE ABOUT Palm Beach County crime spree:
ARTICLE From WPTV-TV: Delray Beach police believe three robberies are connected
A 30-year-old woman was ambushed from behind and punched on Tuesday afternoon at a gas station on West Atlantic Avenue. Two women attacked her and stole her cellphone while she was at the pump. This is the third woman to be robbed in the last seven days. On Jan. 17, a 75-year-old woman’s wrist wallet was pulled right off her arm while she was putting her bags in her car at the Walmart on Military Trail. Then, on Jan. 21, a woman’s purse was snatched from her while she walking to her car after leaving a nightclub on SE 2nd Street. In all three incidents, the crooks got away in white or silver colored Toyota.
“It’s a little concerning to know since I’m a single female and you know, I could potentially be one of those targets,” said Linda Sue Dingel, a Delray Beach resident.
Dingel says becoming a target is a reality women have to face every day. She carries pepper spray on her key chain as a defense.
Delray Beach police urge people to be alert of their surroundings when they are shopping, avoid distractions like using or carrying a cell phone, and avoid walking and parking in poorly lit areas.
Right now, police are not releasing surveillance video. Anyone with information should call Delray Beach Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
