People celebrating the New Year in downtown Sanford may need to be more vigilant about their surroundings.  

  • Police increasing patrols after recent robberies
  • Residents are urged to be more vigilant of surroundings

Sanford Police are stepping up patrols around the city’s historic district downtown after a string of recent robberies.

Originally from Philadelphia, Henry Dieckhaus said he was able to relax a little more after he moved to Sanford.

“In the past I had no qualms or concerns about walking anywhere in town,” said Dieckhaus. “That’s part of the charm and appeal of living here.”

Dieckhaus says two days before Christmas, he was robbed at gunpoint while walking to a convenience store near his home.

“Guy passed me on his bike, pulled into the alley, ran out and stuck his gun to my face, and demanded my money and cell phone,” said Dieckhaus.

Sanford police said there have been several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies in the last few weeks in Sanford’s historic district. Police said they’ve increased patrols in and around the area, with patrols on foot, golf carts — and even in unmarked cars.

A marked police cruiser could be seen on Friday night pointed in the direction of a parking lot where people were getting in and out of their cars near several bars and restaurants.

Theo Hollerbach owns a popular German restaurant in downtown Sanford, and lives in the area where several people have been robbed.  He said residents are now trying to help police catch the robbers.

“My neighbors, we are all working with police who are out in force,” said Hollerbach.

“They’ve done a really good job, this all occurred in the last two weeks, they’ve stepped up patrols and my neighbors — we’re all communicating via our neighborhood sites and to each other. We’re even starting up our neighborhood watch again, so all of those things are happening the way they’re supposed to be.”

Police said they’re also conducting more traffic operations to increase a visible police presence.  If walking at night, police are urging people to walk together — not alone.

Henry Dieckhaus said for the first time in more than a decade of living in Sanford, he’s a bit jittery.

“It makes you think twice about walking around,” said Dieckhaus. “You've got to keep eyes in the back of your head.”

Sanford Police are also urging people to park in well-lit areas when going out at night.