Payday loan store robberies continue
A payday loan store in Columbia, Tenn., is the latest victim in a growing trend. Advance America was reportedly robbed Friday afternoon. This follows reports of payday loan store robberies in Spokane, Wash., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Indianapolis, Ind., and Wichita, Kan.
Seeking a suspect
Columbia police are searching for the robber. Maury County’s “The Daily Herald” reports:
Both employees in the store at the time of the robbery described the man to authorities as wearing blue jeans, a black shirt, a black hat and sunglasses. One employee said the suspect had a speech impairment.
The Daily Herald also states the robber, described as a black male, left in a white Ford Escort with Tennessee plates. Anyone with information is asked to call (931) 380-2721.
Update in Washington
After a month long crime spree, Spokane police have arrested two suspects in connection with the Spokane payday loan store robberies. Police also believe the two are responsible for multiple pharmacy robberies in the area. Read the full report by Paydayloan Princess.
Still no word
Indianapolis police have arrested one suspect in a string of payday loan store robberies, but they are still seeking a second man in connection with the arrests. They have named Eric Edwards, 23, as a suspect. People with tips can call 317-262-TIPS.
Wichita and Cedar Rapids police are investigating the payday loan store robberies in Kansas and Iowa.
I hope that payday loan outlets all over the USA are taking notice of what’s going on, and beefing up their security. We may live in desperate times, but that doesn’t mean that criminal behavior is excusable, and with the right security measures, it’s also preventable to a large degree.