TACOMA, Wash. — A business owner in Tacoma said he’s facing criminals so fearless that they took a lunch break before finishing a robbery.
The Tacoma Business Council held a virtual question-and-answer session with Tacoma police chief Avery Moore on Monday to discuss business owners’ concerns about rising crime.
Kristen Wynne, the president of TBC, said hundreds of business owners in Tacoma have reached out to participate in the organization.
“Businesses felt like their voices weren’t being heard,” Kristina Maritczak, the chair of TBC’s Solution Committee, said.
Business owners said police aren’t responding fast enough.
Tuan Ngo, the owner of La Bella Nail Spa, said his salon has faced more property crimes and robberies in the last year than ever before. During a recent robbery in the middle of the day, the criminals made themselves comfortable.
“Before they robbed us, they ate. They brought a cup of noodles, they cooked it in the microwave, they sat on our couch and ate. And they laid down for 15 minutes. And then they started taking our money, taking our computer, taking everything else,” said Ngo.
The salon owner said Tacoma police showed up three hours after he called 911.
Ngo said he has lost about $15,000 due to crimes.
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