The Walgreens at 3434 High Street is an often-visited, important business that the majority of people who live in our community depend on. But the shooting homicide in the parking lot at 9pm on the evening of Monday, January 27, 2014 showed that this location is not safe, especially after dark. Many have personally experienced or witnessed criminal incidents in recent years in this parking lot, including car break-ins, harassment and drug deals, but none have been as terrifying as a man being shot to death. This is a wake-up call.
In order to protect both customers and staff, it is time for Walgreens to post a security guard in this lot, especially after sundown. Other Walgreens in our local area, such as the Temescal and Emeryville branches, already have guards in their lots, and this tragic event proves that the High Street location must have one as well. Having a guard will reduce further crime, make shoppers feel safer, and bring back former patrons who have recently abandoned this location due to safety concerns. More shoppers lead to increased sales and stable staff jobs. It is a win-win for Walgreens, its employees, and our community.
Given the importance of this store in our neighborhood, placing just one guard will make a huge difference. Walgreens should act now in the interest of its hard-working staff and our community and post a security guard in this parking lot.
Walgreens: please help prevent more violence and post a parking lot security guard at the High Street store in Oakland, CA
The Walgreens at 3434 High Street is an important and often-visited business for the majority of the people who live in our community. In an area with relatively few drug stores, pharmacies and grocery stores, it is a critical resource that we in East Oakland depend on. But the shooting homicide in the parking lot at 9pm on the evening of Monday, January 27, 2014 showed that this location is not safe, especially after dark. Many have personally experienced or witnessed criminal incidents in recent years in this parking lot, including car break-ins, harassment and drug deals, but none have been as terrifying as a man being shot to death. This is a wake-up call.
In order to protect both customers and staff, it is time for Walgreens to post a security guard in this parking lot, especially after sundown. Other Walgreens in our local area, such as the Temescal and Emeryville branches, already have guards in their lots, and this tragic event proves that the High Street location must have one as well. Having a guard will reduce further crime, make shoppers feel safer, and bring back former shoppers who have recently abandoned this location due to safety concerns. More shoppers lead to increased sales and stable staff jobs. It is a win-win for Walgreens, its employees, and our community.
Given the importance of this store in our neighborhood, placing just one guard will make a huge difference. Please act now in the interest of your hard-working staff and our community and post a security guard in this parking lot.
