Another corner grocery store was hit by robbers yesterday - we say another because it has become all too common for these stores to become easy targets. Today, we visited the scene at the corner of Euphrates and Dean Streets and heard from another proprietor whose store was robbed last week. They are saying that they are prepared to put their lives ahead of their work and leave Belize if their safety is not taken seriously. Courtney Menzies has this report.
Just before 2:30 yesterday afternoon, two men pulled up on bicycles outside Sneha Grocery Store. They seemed to have no ulterior motive as they entered the store and went straight for the refrigerator to their left.
One of the men took a few beers out and placed them on the counter, where the other man was standing. As the storeowner began to ring him up, he slowly pulled out a firearm from his pants. He then pushed the gun into the store owner's face while the other man went around the counter and raided the cash drawers.
He didn't seem to be satisfied with the amount of cash that was in there, as he kept asking for more. The cashier showed him that there was no more money hidden anywhere behind the counter, so instead the robber took two cell phones. The men pocketed the money, cellphones, and the gun and rode off on their bicycles. The storeowner wasn't injured, unlike many others who have been hurt, even killed, during a robbery.
Another store owner says that enough is enough, and if their safety can't be guaranteed, they are ready to pack up shop and leave the country.
Muhammed Hussein, Store Owner
"My shop at Kraal Road got robbed and also my friend shop. We don't feel safe right now, There are too much robberies everywhere and we are really scared. We want good protection from government and if we don't get good protection we will leave Belize. We can't stay here, because our safety is important."
It is no secret how much Belizeans rely on these Asian corner stores for their everyday supplies - but the fragile balance between the community's needs and the proprietors' safety is threatened by targeted attacks like this.
Over $400 was stolen from Sneha Grocery Store.
