So sad to read this. I hope she is okay.

No fear of consequences! Unbelievable!

I know the employee and I am so sorry this happened. I can't imagine the fear felt for your own life during this ordeal. I hope they are apprehended soon. Thank goodness no innocent person was hurt.... how dare these slime balls come to our town and do this-

This is terrible. Lucido was robbed a few months ago, and luckily for my husband, it was within an hour after he left the store. There have been quite a few robberies downtown within the last year. Does anyone know if security guards will be hired or if the Rochester Police will be patrolling Main St more often????

I have lived here all my life...this is unacceptable....but I'm afraid this has become today's reality....be safe out there

Cowards!

Its from those apertments on first street, its all drugs and crime in there and I bet the robbers live right there. I know for a fact that there is very bad things going on in there

lots of desperate people that will do anything,hope they get caught but doesnt look good, this is supposed to be a safe place to live and do buisness

Time to realize things are not like a decade ago. Crime expands in bad economic times and let's face it - Rochester is a soft target. We don't deploy the security here they would in Detroit. Time to rethink that folks.

I have shopped at that store -- the owner is a lovely woman who is also very knowledgeable about her business. Although the jewelry in question certainly had a value, antique jewelry seems an oddly specialized market for ordinary thieves. I hope everyone working for that store is able to find serenity as soon as possible -- I am sure for at least awhile, they will struggle emotionally & I grieve for them & wish them the very best.

There is more than one way to think about security. I believe the data show that the busier a shopping area is, the less likely that such a thing will happen -- being overly heavy handed about keeping people out may cut down on foot traffic downtown & make our merchants less, rather than more, secure. I hope whatever changes this merchant (or any others) choose to make are done with reference to evidence-based approaches & not just to the "received wisdom" about what makes stores more secure.

Police Footpatrol is needed in downtown Richester. These fund raiser police officers need to deter crime by showing a presence. But I also understand that only traffic patrol generates revenue.

I am for surveillance cameras on main streets, major side streets and parking areas. This would have captured these losers the moment they walked in and walked out to their getaway car. More officers on the street have no guarantee they will be there at the right time as they can't be everywhere; but will certainly help.

Major US and European cities have them and it has been a huge deterrence and will work especially for a nice downtown like ours. I wish the store had more cameras to get a better view.

I cannot believe this happened in BROAD DAYLIGHT on a Friday morning! What if someone came in the store during that time? I feel so bad for that poor lady who had a gun to her head while the busy downtown is doing their business. It just does not make sense. I called our police department and asked what they plan to do and they said they will start walking up and down main street. I really hope they stick to it and not just do it for a while and quit.

I work at the Rochester School board office and had no idea this happened! Shouldn't we have been on some sort of lock-down? (there are students in the building) Or at least be told?? I had to run and do errands downtown, during my lunch time at 11:30. The men could have still been in the area.

That is what I mean, how could this happen in the middle of a busy Friday? We all do errands and shopping downtown. Kids go there after school sometimes, especially after a half day. They would not be safe!

The bus comment is also unacceptable! That is offensive and racially motivated. Your comment is also against a number of residents with transportation as a barrier in need of such services. I take personal offense and for reasons your thought process will not comprehend. You should be more mindful of the things you write. It's not hard to determine your fear if African Americans, and your disregard the law. Your not Slick! Just Predudice. My name is Kaylin Dillard.

Why you think pistol sales are up....don't count on the Police...Get a CPL, arm yourself and protect what is yours once you feel threatened...Bad guys will think twice one they know store owners are armed...I also agree with more public surveillance camaras ...

Why do I see folks acting as if they can regulate who is allowed to shop or live in Rochester. It is not all that.... Check the statistics as well as the crime blotters daily. Challenge the Police to protect you. And get that CCW gun license be legal to 'open carry' The government will change this law soon and CCW's will not be legal. get one now the freedom of choice is there for now. The idea of a neighborhood watch I proposed in this area was declined by Forest Ridge as well. KD

More surveillance cameras and patrols are needed if these are now lacking, to keep shop owners/employees, shoppers, citizens doing business downtown and visitors safe. Store owners have a right to expect safety; as do customers. We can't afford to have people put in harm's way on a humanitarian level, and to keep folks safe who live in and visit our beautiful city.

Welcome to the 21st Century Depression Era. The Rochester Police do patrol problem areas such as First Street whilst still keeping a visible profile in the more upscale neighborhoods. Cameras placed at intersections covering four directions including sidewalks (University & Main and Main & Second) would be a good place to start spending some taxpayer dollars. Instead of more downtown improvements to roads, etc., how about giving the Police Department more and better technical resources to combat crime?

I heard that it was suggested that cameras be put up downtown, including the alleys, and the city council rejected the idea. WHY? We need to go to the next city council meeting.

I have done business in Pamela's shop. She is well versed and quite knowledgeable with her business. This is horible tragedy to happen in our community. I am sure we all need to show our support to Pamela and her employees through their P.T S S. That would be far better than running out to purchase fire arms. I personally don't want to walk around downtown worried people are going to carry and use guns. Awareness is everything....Thank you Patch for covering this story, and bringing it to our attention.

We need to ensure the smart bus never comes this far north. Please vote down any tax levy that would support any public transportation that links with other surrounding systems. I am in full support of local public transportation for residents.

If we have problems in local apartments, especially in our city, we should utilize selective enforcement to solve these issues.

This is a great community and we need to protect ourselves. Limit the riff raff that can get into the community and let those that do know that their nonsense will not be tolerated.

I am so upset to read this. Pam and Blossom are the 2 nicest people! My engagement ring came from Pam's! She has the most beautiful pieces! What a shame this has happened in our town. I hope the police catch these guys or someone who knows what happened steps up and turns them in. I guess shop workers need to stop down at the Spy Shop and get some mace...... And maybe not a bad idea for the shoppers too!

J.P.

You folks need to realize that most of the crimes are being perpetrated by local teens who literally walk around the block to their target. If you're suggesting that by not allowing Detroit-originating buses into your upscale community you'll stop crime - you are a fool. Besides, these two kids look pretty "white" to me!

These guys got into a car to make their escape.... Unfortunately, Pamela's shop is very narrow and dark; for thieves a very easy target. My guess is that if they review the security footage from a few weeks prior, they will see their guys casing the shop.
CCTV cameras are a great idea.

The crimes that have taken place down town have been in "broad day light". Every one of them. Camera's do not deter anyone from coming to a downtown. Having them placed strategic is a good thing. However, a silent security system within a business is also a good thing-a button to press down by foot or hand-or live monitoring of your surveillance. All of this though comes with a price. Having an officer more dedicated to the downtown does help. I think to date our Police Department and City Council have done a good job in finding a balance. Crime does happen and these were during the day. I think a busier downtown during the day is a deterrent. I think once the construction is done that will also help-Many things go "unnoticed" now because of all the construction and lights going up-tons of directional signs, barricades, fences, dirt, equipment, etc. and people are only seeing that. They fail to notice the little things around them. I think perhaps adding an officer more dedicated to patrol the entire downtown/business areas/parking lots/alleys would be a huge deterrent. I also think the use of a car is good. In summer the bike patrol is wonderful. And I agree with the apartments on First St. Does the landlord screen the tenants? Maybe the landlord should upgrade the property and sell.

Not in favor of Orwellian cameras... one or a couple unfortunate incidents is not the reason to put every move on TV. More police isn't the answer. I feel if you have a store with criminal-desired items (jewelry, electronics, etc.) it would be best to never have a single employee, but keep someone behind a two-way mirror within reach of a hot button. Think of it as private security. Maybe the Spy Shop could find/sell remote panic buttons for wristbands, fobs, etc. Protect yourself, people... don't leave that up to others. Police are reactors, not preventors.

Look, If someone thinks that people are going to rob a jeweler store and jump on a city bus and go back to Detroit, their completely wrong how crime works. These kids are white kids between the ages of 21-24 that live in Rochester and are in need of drug money. You don't just pick that place unless your from the area and when I mean area, I mean real close. I understand that the police want to keep people safe and they are doing a good job in Rochester, but I do think that they are putting to much into watching for drunk drivers on main street and seat belt tickets. I was walking by McGregor elementary and there was 3 ghetto kids just sitting on the slide smoking cigarettes and these kids were about 16 years old , I watched those kids ride their bike right into those apartments. People jog and walk right by that place likes it "its such a nice neighborhood" . Stop lying about the drugs and crime it brings and write the landlord and talk to the city.

Not sure of the circumstances why city council rejected the idea of strategically placed surveillance cameras. I would encourage members of the council to use some of the public works federal project money to invest in additional safety for its citizens and thousands of visitors to Rochester and hopefully, the new infrastructure along Main Street has the necessary wiring/cabling to do this.

The cost can be easily justified to possibly prevent potential criminal activities including vandalism and petty theft especially during the multiple events Rochester is a host for. A surveillance system is a fixed capital investment and little operating costs. Our hardworking law enforcement officers cannot be everywhere and a centrally managed surveillance system has been proven to prevent / minimize crime. Let's use effective ways to deploy our limited law enforcement resources. It can be tracked if such criminals decide to break the law.

When criminals are starting to break the law in broad daylight, I doubt their desperate motivation can't be stopped whether there is additional foot sidewalk traffic. I realize this is a public environment but there should be not privacy concerns. Prevention by proactive monitoring is worth its weight in gold. To take this one step further - In this age of terrorism using fear to undermine the stability of the great American way of life, it is time to take control back!! It starts with circumventing potential crimes.

Franky, if the police patrolled half as much during the day as they do on the weekend, it might help. I live in Downtown Rochester. The volume and police presence on the weekend does not go unnoticed. Hopefully you can read between the lines here, the money is in DUI arrests/tickets.

Well we certainly don't need a bunch of drunks driving around on the weekends...or any other time for that matter. I don't think we need to reduce the patrols on the weekends but we need a better presence during the day.
I drove by the apartments on First street today. It was the first time I have ever been in that part of town. Whether this criminal activity comes from this neighborhood or not, it is a mess. Torn screens, shutters hanging, broken windows, garbage in the shrubs. Unbelievable. Don't we have city ordinances to deal with this sort of mess?

Cameras do not prevent crime, though they may provide a general direction of getaway. They will not ID perps 90% of the time either, as they take a broad video, not store specific. Do you think police sit there watching, and say "oh look, there's a guy in a hoodie and it's 70 degrees out... he's going to commit a crime. Go get him Dan-o!"? Take the last 10 years... how many crimes like this have there been on Main Street?? Enough to recover $2M in installation cost, plus constant monitoring/maintenance of a couple $100k/year? Again... cameras do not PREVENT crimes. Store owners should have their own systems, much closer to the action and morre visible/effective as a deterrent. People are waaay to quick to give away rights and privacy, and not so quick to take care of themselves. Typical kneejerk.

The citizens/residents of the community need to stand up to these criminals. We have to make them fearful to come practice their antics here, in our home area, instead of us, the citizens, being fearful (of them coming here). Too many people just look the other way if it doesn't involve them. That has to stop. We ALL have to be proactive in addressing this issue. The police won't stop it. They only enforce it. We the citizens need to stand up against it. And don't wait for any type of govnmt help, it won't come soon enough. That is evident as too the situation we are in at the time. And, if i am not wrong, we are the govnmt. So, as I say, we the people must stand up and do something to halt/stop this. Every one of us!! We have to be in this together or it will never get better. Good luck to all. Keep your eyes open and don't be afraid to speak up/out. We all must agree that something has to change. Or nothing will change.

I read a lot about our fear but little on how to get a sense of community not based on us/them, or how to effectively prevent crime. I read we must get rid of ‘them’ – offenders suspected to live in specific areas/apartments and keep more from coming here. Problem: there IS no “us” vs “them”; there is only ‘us’.

A group focused on growing a safer community for all of us might find many effective strategies that meet our values. Strategies better than more guns, preventing mass transit, or dotting the downtown with cameras.

Jesus taught: “If a man takes your shirt, give him your cloak also” and “Love your enemy; do good to those who do you harm.” Returning loving action to someone doing wrong has the potential to call him/her back to what they should be, are created to be. Remember how the Amish didn’t shun the family of the man who murdered their children but surround them with love and caring? Note: murders didn’t increase; the admiration of the world did.

Crime stats don’t support fears of metro transit; a thief can’t escape by standing on the corner waiting for a bus. Last week, the thieves got outta there as fast as they could to avoid capture.

May this incident inspire the best in our sense of connectedness to each other; our creativity in searching for solutions that truly work; and our commitment to the Great Teacher who commanded us to love one another, even those who harm us.

At last,something that will really work.

OMG ! Reality check behind door # 1 !

Susan, although your faith in your fellow human is touching, it is sadly a victim's mentality. Look further into your bible for guidance. Might I recommend Luke 22:36 "He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Good people should take care of themselves and each other. Compassion, charity and forgiveness also have their place. A person's true belief in freedom is reflected in their tolerance of behavior they don't approve of in others. These things said, an able bodied citizen of right mind has the responsibility as she is able, to take care of herself and her neighbor. Where this mindset is known to be common, you will find a good community. Where good people do little to nothing to prevent it, crime will spread.

I'm not sure if "take my shirt, and I'll give you my coat" is a deterrent, but maybe an invitation. I think "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" is much more effective.

Well said!

I'll forgive the criminals when the pay for the crime get out of my life. The apartment situation has become so bad that it rivals Pontiac (almost). The only way to cure this is compel the owners to maintain,upgrade this units to a STANDARD SET BY THE MUNICIPALITY they are located in.They must be monitored for occupancy limits to prevent the "flop house" nobody wants.
I am not out to beat anybody down,quite the opposite,I just don't want the community dragged down when it really isn't that hard to prevent.

Helloooooo Everybody! WE ARE BACK !!! Antiques & Fine Jewelry by Pamela Reopens! Saturday - November 24th! with a Grand Reopening Party! Bring all your great Karma down and come in for a visit! My mantra? Go Forward and Don't Look Back.... When You Get Knocked Down? - Get Back UP! See you soon! PAMELA --- And a big thank you to all of you who have provided your support and care - It has meant a great deal to all of us here at Antiques & Fine Jewelry by Pamela!