Posted on July 12, 2011

Mob Rush of South Oak Cliff Store Caught on Camera

Jason Whitely, WFAA (Dallas), July 7, 2011

The upkeep and cleanliness of Sam Farah’s convenience store could rival any in North Dallas.

“You don’t think this store is in Oak Cliff,” Farah said proudly of his investment.

But, crime is crippling his investment in the 3000 block of East Illinois Ave.

{snip}

He said it costs him about $3,000 a month.

{snip} Last week, a mob of people descended on his store all at once after midnight .

“They start trashing the store [and] eating,” Farah said while watching surveillance video of the incident. “It’s like they’re robbing the store.”

While several paid, the rest ate, drink and stole before police could get there, Farah said.

{snip}

Farah estimated he lost up to $500 that night.

Shoplifting is common. {snip}

Customers have also attacked employees, according to video reviewed by News 8.

Plus, cashiers are seeing more counterfeit money. Someone passed a $100 bill recently that had a watermark of Abraham Lincoln, meaning it’s really a $5 bill.

{snip}

Dallas police said officers have responded to 26 calls for help from his store this year, most coming within the last month for crimes like shoplifting, disorderly conduct and even aggravated assault.

DPD has made seven arrests. But, Farah wants zero tolerance and even posted a “Wall of Shame” outside his store that shows crooks his cameras caught.

“I worked hard,” Farah explained. “I worked very hard to cut down on these crimes. I want somebody else to work with me.”

{snip}

On Sunday, another store owner was murdered across the street from Farah’s property. Police arrested one suspect and are still looking for two others.

{snip}