Editorial: Robberies worrisome

It’s getting downright dangerous out there for convenience store clerks.

With five armed robberies in slightly more than a week, Thunder Bay streets seem to be rife with criminals in search of an easy cash fix these days.

Police say they know the majority of the perpetrators are simply looking for enough money to buy a few pills or score their next hit.

Police also say they want to work with store owners to find a better solution to the problem. An official from Mac’s Mart said he plans to come to the city next week to meet with police, and possibly the crime prevention council to discuss the situation.

The company line is that buzz-in systems, which police have called for, don’t necessarily keep the bad guys out. Glass barriers that keep customers out of stores can actually put them in danger. The company doesn’t want to close its doors after midnight because there’s too much money to be made.

Somewhere in the middle a solution lies. It should probably start and end with better treatment programs. 

Shelter House this week made a great start, announcing 15 new treatment beds for chronic alcoholics.

It’s probably time the city and/or province take a look at a similar project for those addicted to prescription drugs. Longer prison sentences are not the answer, despite what the Conservatives say.