EDITORIAL: Market robbers roil neighborhood EDITORIAL: Market robbers roil neighborhood (April 27, 2005)

After five armed robberies in less than two years - the latest just over two weeks ago -- Menlo Park residents who live near the La Hacienda Market on Menalto Avenue are understandably concerned about their safety and the apparent inability of local police to arrest the masked men -four in this case -- who escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash on April 16.

At last week's City Council meeting, many angry neighbors demanded that the city take some action to stop what Police Chief Chris Boyd said is a gang that is believed to be responsible for numerous robberies in the Bay Area recently. In addition to working with the market's owners to improve security, the police department announced last week that it is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved.

The robberies have sent a wave of fear through the Willows neighborhood, and have raised complaints about the market's permits and whether it should be able to operate a check-cashing service, which many residents believe attracts the robbers because it can involve large sums of cash. Many residents have called for the city to take the extraordinary step of placing a ban on the check-cashing operation. City officials are still looking into whether such a step would be possible.

Chief Boyd and other city officials are moving quickly in another direction, offering the reward and also scheduling a special council meeting for May 5 to discuss the issue. It also would be helpful to have a representative of the market at the meeting. The market owners have said they've taken some steps to boost security, including adding outside lighting and a security guard.

But while it is understandable that the neighbors are concerned and want something done immediately, the best way to solve this problem is through careful police work, not action by the City Council. More frequent police patrols, and extra efforts to develop leads in the case, are the best way to crack this case. It also would help if the market's owners agree to temporarily abandon the check-cashing operation.

In the meantime, residents should be extra vigilant around the market, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the Menlo Park police. The market's residential location raises fears that a gun battle could break out at any minute, and that innocent bystanders could be injured. But sooner or later, the gang will make a mistake, and police will get the break they need to put these gang members behind bars.

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