Speedy Express 27, 1417 Jackson St., is the only store in Richmond to comply fully with the city ordinance so far. Photo courtesy of Richmond PDConvenience store owners in the city of Richmond have until later this year to put in place a host of safety measures.
The city law took effect in December 2008, allowing store owners two years to comply with it.
It mandates security equipment and signs in and around stores.
Master Sgt. Lowell Neinast of the city’s police department said only one store, Speedy Express 27, 1417 Jackson St., has fully followed the requirements so far.
"I’ve gone to every store, dropped off store registration forms and copies of the ordinance, but other than that one store, I haven’t seen any store that’s in compliance," Neinast said.
Digital surveillance cameras required
The regulations require at least two color digital high-resolution surveillance cameras at each store with an overview of the sales area and the main entrance and exit.
Also, the law requires an alarm system with a silent panic or holdup alarm with a permit.
Other security mandates include “no loitering” and “no trespassing” signs with at least two-inch lettering in English and Spanish posted at all entrances and exits.
Also, signs are required at all entrances warning that the alarm and camera systems are in use.
In addition, strips measuring height are to be posted at all public exits. There also must be clear and unobstructed view of and from the cash register and sales transaction area through all windows and doors.
Ordinance meant to prevent crime
Neinast said city officials adopted the new law not because of an unusual rash of crimes against convenience stores in Richmond.
"It’s a total prevention matter," he said. "It makes the store safer not just for the owner but also for the customer."
Richmond Police Chief Bill Whitworth looked at what other cities do to enhance store safety and borrowed those ideas, Neinast said.
Rakin Patel, manager of Speedy Express 27, which operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, said when the owner bought the 1,800-square-foot store in February last year, four cameras had already been installed.
"We have a 24-hour alarm system and have done everything to follow the rules. This is good for everybody, including customers," he said. "There are all kinds of people coming to the store. We have to keep an eye. Without the cameras, I wouldn’t have felt safe."
Neinast believes more owners will respond to the new requirements this year.
"But neither have I heard any owners say they’re not going to do it. I’ll visit them once a month to remind them," he said.
Violators will be fined
Violation of the law after December will be treated as a Class C misdemeanor, which, in Texas, could result in a fine of up to $500.
Each day of violation may be considered a separate offense under the ordinance, Neinast said.
For a copy of the ordinance or other information, call 281-342-2849.