LAKELAND (FOX 13) -
Police are putting more manpower on the street this weekend to keep an eye out for three masked gunmen. In the last week and a half, they have hit three big box stores at closing time.
No one has been severely hurt, but one employee was roughed up.
"They struck the victim about the head, so there is quite a potential for injury," Captain Greg Policastro told FOX 13.
Detectives say the guys hang around the parking lot, then approach employees just as they are locking up. So far, no customers have been attacked.
The gunmen have targeted the Cracker Barrel Restaurant east of Lakeland; Buffalo Wild Wings, just north of town, and Bed, Bath and Beyond at Lakeside Village on the south side.
"We are asking our officers to be on the lookout for people sitting in cars, looking suspicious late at night," stated Capt. Rick Taylor.
Police say everyone, no matter where they work, should be cautious when they leave work this time of year because it gets dark so early.
