RITA COOK / News Editor

RED OAK – A city’s progress is often marked in unsavory factors that are as hard to avoid as its successes.

The robbery that occurred in Red Oak in the 100 block of S. Summit Street a few weeks ago is still under investigation, according to Lieutenant Marc Schroeder, Red Oak Police Department.

A woman’s Nissan Sentra and her mobile phone were taken at gunpoint while she was sitting in her car talking on the phone.

A look at the city’s police blog also shows activity in the 100 block of Ryan Drive; a theft in progress, several thefts in custody and a theft report.

Schroeder said the theft in progress suspect is not in custody yet.

On Dec. 12, at approximately 1:50 p.m. Red Oak Police personnel were dispatched to Walmart in reference to a theft in progress.

Schroeder said, “A black male subject driving a silver passenger car pulled alongside a woman unloading groceries from her shopping cart into her vehicle and stole her purse out of her shopping cart and fled the scene.”

Police were dispatched on Dec. 4 at around 8 p.m. in reference to the possible robbery at the Starbucks on Sharaf Ave.

Upon further investigation it was determined two black males entered the Starbucks and sat at a table next to the victim.  

Shortly thereafter, one of the suspects grabbed the victim’s laptop that was sitting on her table and both subjects fled the business with the laptop.  

It was noted the subjects did not use force or make any threats while they were taking the victim’s property or while they were leaving.

This case too, is still under investigation.

Schroeder said last week regarding the Summit robbery.

“The offense may have been a crime of opportunity since the victim was focused on her phone and not on her surroundings.

“Make sure you aren’t a crime of opportunity by paying attention to your surroundings this holiday season.”

A few holiday tips for staying safe come from the Red Oak Police Department with suggestions that include don’t leave your packages on the seat of your car while shopping, avoid carrying large sums of money, use a safe exchange zone for online purchase (contact any local police department about its safe zone), shop with a friend and park in a visible location.

At home, lock your doors, get to know your neighbors, don’t be obvious with the hidden spare keys and stop your mail and any packages coming to your residence if you are out of town.

“The Red Oak Police Department continues to make the safety of our community a priority through neighborhood, business checks and developing additional relationships with our citizens,” Schroeder concluded.  

“These relationships with our citizens often lead to additional sets of eyes and ears that facilitate a safer community and contributes in improving the quality of life for all our community members.”