DETROIT — Last week, thieves rammed a stolen green pickup into a BP gas station at Warren and I-75, missing the ATM and then leaving after they were unable to haul it away.

Store owner Obi Ali, one of many Arab American business owners in the city, said that about $20,000 worth of damage was done according to the Detroit Free Press. The incident was one in a long line of similar ones in the city in recent months, of which there have been no charges filed yet. 

Store owners are urged to install security cameras, bolt their ATM’s to the ground, and to increase ties with community residents in order to deter crimes. 

Long response times from police are among the concerns of many of the business owners, concerns they aired to police officials at a meeting at Byblos Banquets in Dearborn in late September set up by the Tri-County Business Committee, an organization that protects the interests of business owners and has a strong Arab American membership. 

Police officials admitted at the meeting that they’re low on personnel, said they’re continuing to fight to prevent cuts and emphasized the importance in investing in quality security systems. 

Extra personal patrols are also available for business owners, albeit at a rate of $50 per hour, by calling 313.596.5522. 

The situation has continued to be extremely stressful, causing many managers and owners to remain on edge. The crimes aren’t happening in the suburbs according to the Free Press report, however, because as store owners have noted, the perpetrators will be caught quickly.

In Detroit, however, fears persist that the situation will remain troublesome in the city among gas stations and other targeted stores.