Store security

The kidnapping of a 19-year-old female clerk from a Cedar Rapids convenience store around 4 a.m. Monday thankfully ended without tragedy.

Alert customers and employees of neighboring businesses, combined with quick police work, led to the rescue of Amanda Daniel within seven hours of her abduction. Police found her and Keith Elson Jr., the man police believe forced her to leave the store at knifepoint, at his apartment.

Certainly, this was a horrific incident, one that could have been much worse. Still, we don't think there should be a rush by city government leaders to pass new security requirements for convenience stores.

Some states and cities do have ordinances that target the overnight shifts. Among them are requiring at least two workers to be on duty, employing a security guard or installing bulletproof cages for clerks.

Cedar Rapids requires surveillance cameras between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., which has often proved useful. Video from the Kwik Shop at 1001 First Ave. SW captured Daniel's kidnapping.

Stepped-up security measures or revised scheduling practices also may be in order. But that's the company's responsibility. Kwik Shop's company president says company policies are under review.

Nationwide, it's uncommon for females, especially younger women, to work the graveyard shifts. It puts them at higher risk for dealing with robbers and violence including sexual assaults.

Convenience stores are open in the wee hours of morning where market demand justifies it. The vast majority of customers are not violent but such retailers clearly are more at risk, especially in high-crime areas where clerks work solo.

Thus, responsibility falls largely on convenience store company leaders to address security issues and work hand-in-hand with police. We look forward to Kwik Shop's follow-up action.