FoodHub Somerset Burglarized Early This Morning

Early this morning, FoodHub Somerset (near St James Church) experienced a break-in by three individuals armed with crowbars and tools. Marico Thomas explains in a social media post stating, It appears they entered, searched for valuables, and quickly made their escape via multiple vehicles.

Our gratitude extends to the swift response of the Police Officers, narrowly missing the culprits.

We are also grateful to our dedicated staff and managers reinforcing our safety protocols. It’s important that we re-emphasize, 1)our drivers carry minimal cash, and 2) the store does not retain money.

This situation is disturbing. Robbery at any time by any one is unpleasant. To have three persons, all in dark clothing, with heavy tools visit you at 4am could be terrifying.

Thomas asking Is this a sign of the season, a sign of hard times, or is it something else?

Yes – pre and post Christmas financial stress occurs every year.
Yes – substantial drug seizures have been made.

But unemployment numbers are reported to be down, and down substantially. And I am aware of employers who say they cannot find people to work – even in unskilled jobs.

What else are we hearing? Speculation ranges from inside jobs to targeted attacks. Regardless, or perhaps despite this, our primary focus will remain to be safety, security, comfort, and style.

It probably goes without saying that we do not appreciate the cost of damage repair and it is not a matter of insurance cover. Beyond the cost is the aggravation and the distraction. Beyond the distraction is the negative social and consumer impact.

We should not get to the point of having to place bars on doors and windows. In colonial-themed St George’s, this would be charming. Across Bermuda this is not.

What’s the alternative? Don’t know.
– Guard dogs?
-Electrified doors?
-Alarm triggered water sprinklers with skin-dying, acid-foam?
– On-site sleepers with bats, and knives (I mean “restaurant equipment tools properly stored in operationally accessible locations”)?

How should one go about preserving the island’s charm while ensuring safety?

Thomas also said he is against bars. I am for tourism, economic growth, and prosperity for individuals and companies. However, the recent incidents underscore the need for a heightened approach to security hopefully without compromising the unique character of Bermuda.

And it would be great for that to occur before exceeding the limit to a persons good nature.

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