Robberies Fail to Raise Much Concern Among Residents

While the robberies of two local 7-Eleven stores  last month may have  big news, customers approached Tuesday in the parking lots of those stores said the crime doesn't mean Commack is unsafe.

"I'm a little more alert, but not more concerned," said Paul Rosen, who has lived in Commack for two decades. "[I'm] more conscious." 

Rosen said his expectation of this sort of crime in the area is no different than it was 20 years ago, however he is more observant of who is around when he is shopping.

"Any area that is semi-affluent is susceptible to outsiders coming in," said Rosen, and said he keeps an eye out for anyone who looks out of place or suspicious.

While the individual stores' operators said they could not comment, corporate communications director Margaret Chabris said she didn't know of these specific incidents but provided a document outlining the chain's Crime Deterrence Program. 

The overview explains several safety measures emphasized by the program: the "fishbowl" design of all 7-Elevens, with bright lighting, large windows and registers at the front for good visibility; a no-resistance policy for its employees; timed-access safes and instructions to never keep more than $50 in cash in the register during the day and no more than $30 at night; and a "state-of-the-art" video surveillance system. 

The stores, located at 2045 and 6230 Jericho Turnpike, were robbed on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10, respectively. The latter was also . The across the street was also robbed twice recently, in and in . No one was injured in any of incidents.

September 16 for the robbery at 6230 Jericho Turnpike.