CAUTION URGED AFTER ROBBERY SPREE HITS A LULL

Although it's been three weeks since the last robbery in Marietta, local
police are advising businesses and residents to use caution. Using common
sense and taking some basic security measures could prevent more thefts in
the area.

"With people shopping, we highly recommend they keep aware," said Lt.
Detective Jeff Seevers of the Washington County Sheriff's Office. "They
should keep their keys in their hands when they go out their cars. They
should also scan the area."

The Starfire Express, 277 Muskingum Drive, Eagle Fireworks, 26400 Ohio 7
near Reno, McHappy's Bakery at 333 Pike St. and Byers Exxon on Ohio 7 were
recently robbed.

Arrests were made in the Byers Exxon robbery, but no arrests have been made
in the other three.

Seevers suggest people learn to give up the money or whatever else may be
stolen without a struggle. Fighting an armed perpetrator could lead to
serious injuries.

For businesses, Seevers recommends purchasing surveillance equipment,
training employees to deal with potential robberies and keeping a minimal
amount of cash in the register.

One area gas station has avoided being robbed for more than a decade by
following some basic rules.

Duke and Duchess, 120 Pike St., had a new security equipment installed
since the September flood.

"If they're able to be seen by the camera, we can follow their movements
around the store. The camera system helps to catch everything. They're our
eyes for things we sometimes can't see," said Jim Price, division manager
for the franchise. "We have alarm boxes throughout the store."

Jerran K. Knowlton, 25, of Greene St., Newport and Douglas A. Hendershot,
32, of Williamson Avenue, New Matamoras were arrested and charged with
aggravated robbery in the Byers Exxon robbery.

Seevers said the two arrests made in the Byers Exxon robbery were most
likely drug related.

"We had a higher drug use than is normal. Heroin usage had picked up," he said.

The number of investigations into heroin usage has decreased in recent
years. In 1995 local law enforcement officers investigated 120 instances of
heroin use. The number dropped to about 25 in 2002.

The cost of making heroin has decreased, which may account for more
availability of the drug in the area.

The Marietta Police Department is continuing its investigation into the
three area business robberies during October.

Marietta Police Sgt. Rick Meek said no arrests have been made at this time
and he views the robberies as unrelated incidents.

"You never know when one of the things will happen," said Meek. "People get
desperate and you can never tell when they'll do something."