4 robberies reported in last two weeks on I-Drive

Some people worried after another robbery in tourist district

ORLANDO, Fla. – There have been at least four robberies reported in the tourist district over the last two weeks, with the latest happening Friday.

Deputies said a woman was walking with her boyfriend when a man tried to steal her purse. The boyfriend tackled the man to the ground and the woman pepper-sprayed him. The suspect still managed to escape and took off in a getaway car.

That's not the first time someone has tried to stop a would-be thief. On Sept. 8, a Turkish man was killed while protecting his wife from an armed robber outside the Wyndham Orlando Resort. After that, deputies announced they were stepping up patrols in the tourist district. But some wonder if it's enough.

According to statistics from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, crime in that area is up 83 percent from this time last year.

News 6 reached out to an OCSO spokesperson to see if the department is planning to do anything differently now, and this was the response:

"The Sector Captain employs a number of tactics and practices to patrol the area and provide a presence visible to our visitors, workers and stakeholders; these include marked patrols, bike patrols, and foot patrols reinforcing the commitment of the OCSO to the safety of this area, as we do for the rest of the county. He also works with the agencies additional Support Units to enhance coverage with marked specialty patrols, as well as an unmarked presence. The Crime Prevention Unit along with the Sector Captain work closely with the hotel and business owners to ensure the best safety practices and offer guidance re Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. This area is continually patrolled by employing proven tactics and best practices, along with technology to provide the safest environment possible for tourists, businesses, and residents. We will exhaust all resources and opportunities to enhance public safety."


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