Bossier City Police activate "Armed Robbery Task Force"
By: Stephanie Claytor
Updated: November 20, 2012
The Bossier City Police Department is working hard to keep you safe during the holidays. The department is kicking off its "Armed Robbery Task Force" the day after Thanksgiving.
Five to 10 officers will work overtime, patroling businesses, convenience stores, and shopping centers in an effort to prevent crime. They'll use tactics such as staking out businesses from back rooms and even convenience store coolers in order to lookout for potential trouble. They'll also utilize undercover officers as well.
"It is very effective," said Sgt. Bart Cavanaugh, of the Bossier City Police Department. "This is our 26th year of doing it and in the last several years of having the task force, we haven't had one single business armed robbery."
Although businesses are most often not robbed during the time the task force is activatated, Sgt. Cavanough said armed robberies are on the rise in the city. There have been four in 2012.
Officers are urging people to be aware of their surroundings, and avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles