Adams Morgan business owners pleading for solutions after string of robberies
WASHINGTON, DC (7News) — Even as business continues in Adams Morgan, some who live and work here said there is a different feel on the streets lately.
More than 10 burglaries and robberies in the past few weeks at the local shops has businesses owners like Diana Mubarak constantly checking security cameras.
"We were really worried," said Mubarak. "We were thinking we're next because both of our neighbors on both sides got robbed. We thought they may dodge us because it's a flower shop."
Unfortunately, her A Little Shop of Flowers was broken into this week.
She said they smashed through a window but did not take anything because they don't keep cash in the store.
Still, that is not the end of her concerns.
"For some of the shops it wasn't just one time," she said. "They got back in again."
That is what happened at The Chocolate House on 18th Street NW. It was robbed twice, back to back.
Rise Bakery was also targeted.
"Multiple shops along this block have been robbed," said Laprea Roberson, who works in the bakery. "Their windows have been smashed. People are just vandalizing for no reason."
7News On Your Side spoke with Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Peter Wood. He said his neighbors have had enough.
"It's hard," he said. "Everyone deserves to have some clarity in what's happened, and some clarity in what can be done going forward. It seems in the last week or so it's kind of come to a tipping point."
Wood said he meets with D.C. Police every month and is working to make sure everyone with power to make an impact here is involved in finding a solution.
"We need each other but we also need our city government and the authorities, myself included, to be advocating for the resources we have to be implemented to keep us safe and keep us happy," he said.
Even when arrests are made, Mubarak fears that won't be enough solve the issue.
"It's not just putting people away," she said. "That doesn't solve the problem. That just fixes a temporary situation."