Crime in Old Town Riga sparks conversation about increasing security measures - expert's view
In the heart of Riga's Old Town, a jewelry store heist stirs up discussions about beefing up security measures for high-end retailers. Artis Velss, a security expert and former police chief, opines that this incident doesn't represent a surge in crime across the nation but underscores the significance of bolstering protection for luxury stores.
Velss points out that the fuss over the operation to nab the crooks and the viral clips of the robbery might lead some to believe there's an increase in thievery. However, such well-armed raids on stores were more common in the 90s and early 2000s.
Despite a few citizens grumbling about the roadblocks created during the manhunt, Velss reckons the law enforcement acted appropriately. Armed robbers in broad daylight in the city center clearly warranted aggressive action.
Delving into the details of the case, Velss mostly agrees with Raimonds Kronbergs, head of the Riga Criminal Police Department, that the jeweler's shop could have been hit by an organized mobile gang that specializes in such crimes.
Regarding the protection of shops selling luxury items, Velss notes a common pattern among shop owners, who seem to assume the falling crime rates in Latvia means they don't need to invest in security.
"Crime is indeed on the decline in Latvia, but as this week's event demonstrates, such crimes still occur," Velss emphasizes.
He acknowledges that security companies worldwide offer a plethora of security options, and modern tech-based solutions are high in demand. Having armed guards on duty in a store is a reliable deterrent, but in certain situations, it might not be sufficient.
State-of-the-art AI-driven technologies are now employed to enhance security systems, allowing them to action promptly. For instance, AI-powered surveillance systems can recognize criminal activity in real-time and even lock a store door or release a gaseous substance to foil thieves, Velss explains.
Recently, the exclusive watch shop Baltic Watches was targeted in a daylight heist, leaving one injured. A viral video shows four masked robbers fleeing the store while one of them detonates an unknown explosive towards the door.
Preliminary police investigations suggest the culprits escaped on a dark-colored Volkswagen Golf 5 with stolen license plates. The case has sparked criminal proceedings, including charges for armed robbery, use of explosives, or causing serious physical harm.
The extent of the damages inflicted on the jeweler's shop is still being assessed. Law enforcement continues its search for the perpetrators and urges citizens to stay vigilant and report any sightings.
- Artis Velss, the former police chief and security expert, disagreed with the growing opinion that the jewelry store heist in Riga's Old Town signified a surge in crime nationwide.
- Velss agreed with Raimonds Kronbergs, head of the Riga Criminal Police Department, that the jeweler's shop was likely targeted by an organized mobile gang specializing in such crimes.
- Velss advocated for high-end retailers to invest in security measures, citing the instance of shop owners assuming falling crime rates in Latvia meant they didn't need to boost protection.
- Velss noted that modern tech-based solutions, such as AI-powered surveillance systems capable of recognizing criminal activity in real-time and locking store doors, were now employed to enhance security systems.
- The recent daylight heist at the exclusive watch shop Baltic Watches, which left one injured and prompted criminal proceedings for armed robbery, use of explosives, and causing serious physical harm, underscored the need for increased security measures, as emphasized by Artis Velss.
