Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers is urging business owners to surrender their cash rather than confront armed robbers, warning that no amount of money is worth losing their lives.

Jeffers issued the advice following Thursday morning’s fatal shooting of Freeman’s Village businessman Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis.

Francis, 60, was shot shortly after 8:30 a.m. at the supermarket he operated along the Freeman’s Village Main Road. Police said two men exited a silver vehicle and entered the business, where a confrontation reportedly occurred.

Responding to questions from journalists Thursday, Jeffers advised business operators to comply with armed criminals when police are not immediately present.

“No amount of money costs your life. If you find yourself in a situation like this and there’s no police around, just turn over the money. Your life is more valuable,” he said.

“We would prefer to investigate a robbery than to investigate a murder.”

Jeffers also encouraged merchants to limit the amount of cash kept on their premises by regularly clearing their cash registers.

Police said enhanced security operations ahead of Carnival will include increased patrols and the deployment of additional law enforcement resources across the island.

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This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Police Commissioner Urges Businesses to Surrender Cash, Not Risk Their Lives.