Robbers hit Hopewell twice in three days

Three brazen gunmen yesterday robbed a store in Hopewell, Hanover, making off with about $1 million in cash. The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. while dozens of shoppers were inside the establishment.

Reports are that the three men, wearing masks, drove to the location where they posed as customers. They later brandished guns, held the operators at gunpoint and relieved that of about $1 million. The men then ran from the store, but not before they fired several gunshots into the air. They escaped in a waiting motor car.

Increase in robberies

Two days earlier, last Friday afternoon, gunmen again went to a Supreme Ventures outlet along main street in Hopewell and robbed the properitor of the day's sales.

Concern residents told THE STAR that there have been an increase in robberies within Hopewell over the past weeks, and they believe that lack of police presence has resulted in these robberies taking place.

Derrick Wright, president of the Hopewell Citizens Association, told THE STAR that he is very concerned about the recent attacks on the business community. He called for the establishment of a police post in the town.

"If I can remember correctly, in April of 2015 we were promised a police post by the Police High Command but this promise has never materialised. Everytime we have a upsurge in crime, and we as the citizen association raise that topic, the promise comes back on the board," Wright said.