COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
The number of robberies in Richland County has tripled in recent months. The Sheriff's Department says several suspects have been caught on camera, but now they need help finishing the job.
Sheriff Leon Lott says robberies have gone from 11 to 34 over the past year.
The most disturbing thing, it's not one group responsible.
"We're seeing numerous people doing it," Lott said.
If its got your frightened, you're not alone, and for good reason.
"It can happen in an instant," Lott said. "One of these bad guys that has a weapon or pulls a weapon out and uses it on someone."
What's being done to fight this dangerous trend?
"We're increase our number of marked patrol units, visibility helps out, but we also have unmarked cars out, we have investigators assigned to do nothing but follow up on these cases," Lott said.
Your help could solve these crimes. The Sheriff's Department is asking you to go online and check out some of the suspects. Cameras and tips across the county at the North Columbia Business Association have made all the difference on Main Street where 26 boxes with four cameras inside have gone up.
"Our crime rate has gone down that's got to be one reason," said Tommy Burkett with the North Columbia Business Association. "The word is out."
Back at the Sheriff's Department, they're making a strange request of businesses -- keep your counters clean.
"The bad guy may leave fingerprints, he may leave DNA, we're using forensics also," Lott said.
It's been lucky that no one's been hurt so far, but law enforcement doesn't want to push their luck any further.
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