A series of robberies has plagued shoppers and businesses at Largo Plaza in Maryland.
Car thefts have been common at the shopping center, keeping customers away from local businesses like Phoenix Salon Suites.
“For some reason, I’m not doing so well during the day right now,” Grooming Lounge owner Renaldo Williams said. “I have to keep my head moving while I’m working.”
Williams hasn’t slacked off on his haircut services, but he said he’s found that being cautious has paid off for himself and his customers.
“There’s no police at all,” Williams said.
A few doors down from Williams, another stylist who was the victim of a robbery, Andrea Butler, said one of her co-workers came into her room one day and asked if anyone was in her car.
“I said, ‘No, the keys are here,'” Butler said. “And he said, ‘Well, I think you should go outside and see what’s going on.'”
A few hours later, another car break-in occurred in the same parking lot, when the car owner returned to his vehicle to find broken windows and smashed glass.
“These young people came out wearing masks, jumped into someone’s car and broke into their car. [in] Within 30 seconds they were gone,” Williams said.
People have called police to report these crimes before, and Williams had observed police responding after the robbery.
“They went there, they chased them, and they ran away,” Williams said. “I asked the officers later what happened. [and] He said the suspect crashed onto Central Avenue and fled the scene, but also struck four other vehicles.”
Residents living near the shopping center say they have similar issues with cars parked on the street.
Last year, Phoenix Salon Suites experienced another crime when a truck crashed through the back wall and an ATM was also stolen.
Since these crimes began occurring, hairstylists in Phoenix have begun offering advice to customers getting their hair cut.
“Even if you have to walk a little, park your car in a high-traffic area, an area with a lot of pedestrians,” Williams says.
Butler said the Plaza needs more patrols and officers, not just security patrols.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the carjacking incident.
