Bowman councilman's store hit 5 times this year
By MARTHA ROSE BROWN, T&D Correspondent Monday, November 23, 20095 comment(s) | Default | Large
BOWMAN - Two armed robberies and a break-in at a business in town over the past three weeks have prompted the Bowman Police Department to ramp up patrols.
Bowman Police Chief Kevin Pendarvis reports he's stepped up patrol efforts because of the rising crime rate.
Pendarvis said an individual armed with a handgun entered Dollar General demanding money a little after 7 p.m. on Nov. 4. The suspect ordered the two employees and a customer to lie on the floor while the robber took money from the store, then fled.
Then, on Nov. 17, two suspects - one armed with a handgun - entered China King before 9 p.m., Pendarvis said. The unarmed suspect grabbed the cash register, and the pair exited the restaurant and disposed of the register on a nearby street, the chief said.
The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office assisted the Bowman Police Department in the investigation, which is being headed up by the Bowman PD.
The department is offering a cash reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects involved in the recent armed robberies, Pendarvis said.
In addition to those armed robberies, someone on Saturday night, Nov. 14, shattered the glass entry door to Gaines Mini Stop, owned and operated by Bowman Town Councilman Nathaniel Gaines. Gaines said cigarettes and cigars were stolen.
Last Saturday's break-in marked the fifth time this year his business has been burglarized, Gaines said.
Gaines, who has served on council for 28 years, has owned and operated the business for more than three decades.
In efforts to deter thieves, he said he's considering installing iron "burglar bars" over the windows and doors of the business.
"I really didn't want to do that," he said.
Gaines said thieves usually steal $150 to $175 in merchandise during the burglaries, but it costs about $400 to replace the glass doors.
In March 2009, suspects stole approximately $1,500 in goods, he said.
Gaines said he's pleased with the additional security efforts that have been taken by the Bowman Police Department.
To report suspicious activities in Bowman or provide tips concerning the recent crimes, call 803-829-2511.
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T&D Correspondent Martha Rose Brown can be reached by e-mail at marfawose@aol.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.
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