Linden businesses are upset at the response to recent armed robberies in the town.
Twice last week, a lone gunman swooped on businesses, carting off cash and jewellery. Two Mondays ago, owner and proprietor of the Bolo Variety Store Albert “Bolo” Joseph was shot and robbed of cash, jewellery and a cellular phone. Joseph succumbed to his injuries on Friday. The gunman did not disguise his identity.
Meanwhile, the A&R Cosmetics Store was hit on Friday, also by a lone gunman, who made off with more than $100,000 in cash and jewellery. No one was hurt and the gunman did not fire.
Several persons were taken into custody after the robberies but no charges have resulted. According to a senior rank at the Mackenzie Police Station, they are following every possible lead that might result in the capture of the wanted man or men. The lone witness in the Bolo robbery cooperated with the police in attending an ID parade but did not recognise the gunman. Investigators were working with the theory that it was the same gunman that robbed both stores.
Since the incidents, several business leaders and the Linden Chamber of Commerce have been expressing displeasure at the attack on the business community. Several businessmen said that a more coordinated patrol could have resulted in the capture of the gunman on Friday. They also said that a number of persons in the area where the man was believed to have hidden failed to cooperate with the police.
