Richland Sheriff Offers Prevention Tips During Holiday Season

In 2011, there were 81 commercial robberies in Richland County, according to the Richland County Sheriff's Department. 

So far this year, there have been 91 robberies with the biggest increase since August 1 compared to the same time last year.

See attached PDF on incident locations.

The robberies have occurred at a variety of locations including convenience stores, restaurants, clothing stores and pharmacies.

With the increase in crime, Sheriff Leon Lott is offering businesses and citizens some tips on minimizing his or her risk of becoming a victim:

• Business owners should request free armed robbery safety training from the department’s Community Action Team.   
• Businesses should request free security analysis of their business from the department’s Community Action Team (Homeowners can request the same service for free).
• Businesses must train their employees on what to do before, during and after an armed robbery occurs.
• Businesses should be part of a crime watch and be vigilant. Call 911 for all suspicious activity. 
• Increase lighting while decrease landscaping.

View more tips in the attached document. 

Citizens can contact the Community Action Team by calling 803-576-3191 or visit the Richland County Sheriff's Department's website.