Albany Police: No ‘violent’ crimes this year at Stewart’s slated to close

There have been no reported violent crimes this year at a Stewart’s slated to close in Albany, said Albany’s police chief. There were also just four last year, he said.

Stewart’s announced on Tuesday the store at Central Avenue and Manning Boulevard would close Thursday. They blamed an increased in theft, robberies and threats of violence at the store, and said it was unsafe for customers and employees.

“Over the past two years, the number and severity of incidents at the Manning Boulevard shop have increased, ranging from robberies and theft to verbal and physical assaults,” the company said in a statement.

However, Albany Police said two-thirds of calls to the store over the last year were “self-initiated property checks,” and crime is significantly down at the store.

“We acknowledge that Stewart’s has the right to make a business decision, but APD has done everything possible to address their concerns at this location,” Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said in a statement.