While it may seem that there are more convenience-store robberies occurring recently in the Mercer County area, arming yourself or your employees might not be the best idea.
In fact, it could get someone killed.
A front-page article in The Herald Thursday reported how armed robberies inspired a local merchant to buy a gun.
The story told the tale of Mike Mataria, owner of Broad Street Market, Grove City, which was robbed recently when a clerk was opening the store. The clerk said the robber followed her to the front door and demanded cash, and had his hand in his jacket pocket as if he had a gun.
Reacting to the robbery, Mataria bought a handgun at Elite Firearms in Hermitage and was planning to practice at the store’s firing range.
However, this kind of action is an overreaction. Even if the owner has a gun, what are the chances of him being there when a store is robbed? We would hope he isn’t encouraging his employees to attempt to stave off a potentially armed felon with a weapon.
Most businesses, including banks, are pretty clear on how to handle robberies when there is a chance that weapons may be involved. Turn over the money and let police try to capture the criminal later.
This isn’t the Wild West and shootouts are not a good idea. Even in home robberies, many of the injuries or deaths occur if the home owner goes for a gun.
If a store clerk goes for a weapon while being robbed, the criminal may feel he is forced to shoot. And if the clerk pulls a gun and shoots the robber — who turns out not to be armed — then the court system comes into play. Was the shooting necessary?
And what if an innocent bystander is injured or killed?
Mataria said he is upgrading the camera systems in his stores, including Sharpsville Food Mart, which is probably a much strategy than buying a gun.
District Attorney Robert Kochems points out that good security systems, insurance to cover robbery losses and explosive dye packs are also better ideas.
We agree completely with Kochems who said panic gun purchases are not a good idea. In fact, they are a bad idea.
No amount of money is worth people losing their lives.
Opinion
OUR VIEW: Armed response to robbery increases danger to public
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