Police: Similarities mark Lynn store robberies

LYNN – Following two convenience store robberies in as many days, police are urging store clerks to work in pairs, especially during evening hours.Police said the man who robbed a clerk in Norm’s Variety on Eastern Avenue Thursday at 7:38 p.m. is similar in description to the man who robbed Lynnfield Street Market at gunpoint on Wednesday at 8:54 p.m.Photographs taken from a surveillance camera mounted outside Lynnfield Street Market show the man just before he entered the store and pulled a ski mask over his face. After robbing the store, the suspect jumped into a waiting vehicle.”The Lynn police are actively investigating several leads in the case and are hoping that members of the public will recognize the suspect from the surveillance still imagery and contact our detectives at 781-595-2000. Callers can remain anonymous,” said Police Lt. William Sharpe.Police described the Lynnfield Street thief as a white male, 20 to 30 years old, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and gray jeans. Sharpe said the robber threatened Norm’s clerk with a knife.”We would ask store owners in the city and surrounding areas to heighten their awareness and increase their precautions to prevent their being targeted. One of the foremost prevention steps that can be taken is to have more than one clerk on duty, especially in the evening hour,” Sharpe said.