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Robberies make neighbourhood feel unsafe, Madison Confectionary owner says

Jim Lanzo has owned Madison Confectionary for 57 years
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The owner of a convenience store that was the target of a violent robbery on April 9 lauded the response of Greater Sudbury Police Service, but expressed disappointment that incidents like this seem to be on the rise. (Matt Durnan/Sudbury.com)

The owner of a convenience store that was the target of a violent robbery on April 9 lauded the response of Greater Sudbury Police Service, but expressed disappointment that incidents like this seem to be on the rise.

Jim Lanzo has owned Madison Confectionary on Madison Avenue in New Sudbury for 57 years, and his store was robbed by three suspects on Tuesday night, who used a conducted energy weapon to immobilize the store clerk before making off with a sum of money, cigarettes, and other goods.

The employee sustained minor injuries during the robbery, police said. Lanzo was not in the store at the time of the incident.

"(Robberies) seem to be on the rise in Sudbury. It's not as prevalent in this area, but in Sudbury as a whole, it seems to be happening more often," said Lanzo. "In 56 years, there were only two robberies at this store."

As a small business owner, Lanzo says it's not really within his means to hire security for his store, though he has considered beefing up some of the security measures such as surveillance equipment.

"I've thought about putting in outdoor cameras, or a buzz-in system," said Lanzo. "But again, these things all come at an additional cost."

The response by the Greater Sudbury Police Service was prompt, according to Lanzo, who says he was appreciative of police officers showing up to the scene so quickly. 

The K9 unit was dispatched to search in the area of Madison Avenue and Caribou Road, but the trail went cold quickly, police said, indicating the men likely got into a vehicle and fled. Officers also canvassed the area for witnesses and evidence.

Descriptions of the men are limited. All three are described as being around six feet tall with medium builds. 

Lanzo says it's a shame that things like this happen, and that it's detrimental to not only his business, but a feeling of safety in the community.

"This doesn't just affect store owners and employees, it affects our customers as well," said Lanzo. "A person isn't going to send their kid to the store if they're worried about this type of thing. It's a shame this has to happen."