Nashua, NH Sees Spike In Armed Robberies

BOSTON (CBS) --- At Lake Street Convenience in Nashua, manager Mohammed Ratun knows all too well about the spike in armed robberies in town.

He became a victim when a man walked in and demanded cigarettes and cash.

"At that moment, he took out his knife," said Ratun.

In all, there have been 9 similar crimes in August alone in the city.

The last three--at Cumberland Farms, Ruby Tuesday and Sunnyside Sunoco--are unsolved and the same man may be responsible.

"We are looking at the possibility based on physical descriptors as well as some clothing descriptors," said Nashua Police Lt. Denis Linehan.

Police are beefing up patrols, particularly at night.

"We've put some emphasis around the convenience stores around closing time," said Linehan.

Last year there were 21 armed robberies in the city.

So far this year there are exactly the same amount.

Police think drugs may have something to do with the spike.

"We're looking at some individuals that may be drug dependent and as a result they're looking for some quick cash," said Linehan.