Retail Association reacts to “Smash and Grab” that left a Detroit liquor store reduced to rubble
MIRA asks residents to step up when they have information about crimes committed at neighborhood Stores
West Bloomfield, MI (May 17, 2015 ) — The Woodmere Liquor Store located on Fort Street in Detroit had its walls smashed to pieces during an early morning break-in Saturday, May 16th resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.
“We are grateful that no one was hurt, which unfortunately is not always the case when crimes are committed at our retail stores,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO of MIRA. “This is just another example of the risks our members take every day operating retail businesses.”
Thieves drove a truck through the store and stole thousands of dollars in products.
“This is what you call a massive smash and grab,” said Arabo. “We really depend on customers to step up and offer whatever information they might have about crimes committed against retailers.”
The MIRA has always worked with Detroit Police, the State Police and other departments to help reduce crimes in the neighborhoods. “We also encourage members to have cameras that record inside and outside of the stores 24 hours a day,” said Arabo. “Having properly lit parking lots is also a crime deterrent.”
The owners are offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.
MIRA members often have strong relationships with their customers and know them on a first-name basis. That does not always help when trying to catch criminals. “We need community members to step forward and take ownership of their neighborhoods and help police find the criminals so they can be prosecuted. Too often people are afraid to go to police which means dangerous criminal remain on the streets.