Some local businesses are increasing their security measures after some of their neighboring businesses were robbed at gunpoint.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, armed robberies have increased by 20 % over the past year. That’s why business owners, including Mikia Rochester, are worried about their safety.
Rochester has owned Crowns of Beauty Hair Salon in the Mayport area for the past two years.
She said things took a turn for the worse when one of the neighboring businesses in her plaza was robbed at gunpoint.
"It was kind of scary because I don't think I've experienced police running with their guns drawn, but that day we just looked out and that's what we saw," Rochester said.