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Police still searching for UDF robbers

Posted at 7:04 PM, Sep 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-05 22:52:13-04

NORWOOD, Ohio -- Robbers have held up local United Dairy Farmers stores 12 times in the past six weeks.

Surveillance cameras captured images of several suspects.

The robberies have happened in Norwood, Elmwood Place, Mount Healthy and the Cincinnati neighborhoods of Westwood, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge and Carthage.

No clerks or customers have been hurt, and police shared tips on how to keep it that way.

"It's just a matter of time before it turns violent," Norwood police Lt. Ron Murphy said.

The key is to cooperate with a robber's demands and do whatever it takes to protect yourself, according to police.

UDF is also reviewing all of its safety policies and practices in an effort to prevent further robberies.

They have already made some changes since UDF clerk Fracnis Messengers was killed in 1992. Back then, UDF stores had one employee on duty and stayed open 24 hours each day. Now, two workers are always on duty.

Cincinnati police Sgt. Eric Franz said clerks staying safe begins with paying attention.

"A lot of times, the robbers telegraph they're going to come in and they walk in and out of the store a couple times, or they may be in the parking lot putting on a mask," Franz said.

UDF has 2,400 retail employees who get extensive coursework in safety training.

"Offer them whatever they want, encourage them to leave, make them understand police are on the way and that they should leave immediately," Franz said.

The employee should never leave the store with the robber.

"If it gets to the point where they're forcing you out the door ... it's not going to end well and you need to do everything in your power to survive," Franz said.

For customers, Franz recommended taking care of yourself and your family, leaving and calling 911.

UDF issued a statement Tuesday saying associates are trained to comply, but the recent robberies are prompting a safety review:

"First and foremost, we are always worried about the safety of our associates. We train our associates to always comply and do what the perpetrator asks in a robbery situation. We have been very fortunate that none of our team members, nor any customers have been hurt or injured in these incidents. Over the years, we have established great partnerships with local law enforcement in all the communities in which we have stores. Our internal corporate security team responds to each incident and works closely with local law enforcement to share a variety of evidence and video obtained from each location.

"We have seen a significant increase in the number of robberies in the Cincinnati market for the last 30 to 45 days. As part of the normal rhythm of our business, we regularly review our safety/security policies and practices in the hopes of deterring and preventing robberies from occurring. All of our stores have multiple video cameras both inside and outside our locations and we always have at least two of our associates working at any time for added safety."

UDF human resources Director Mark Wilson said there have also been discussions with police departments in cities where robberies have occurred about putting security personnel in stores.