The Double Kwik convenience store at Meta, Ky., was robbed for the second time in four months, according to the Kentucky State Police.

KSP Post 9 received a call Sunday, Feb. 22, stating that an unknown white male, armed with a shotgun, had entered the store demanding money from the cash register. The cashier stated that the man — who was approximately 6-feet tall, and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt — took an undetermined amount of money and exited the store.  The man then left in an unknown vehicle.

The case is under investigation by Trooper Randall Coots and is being assisted by Det. Gary Sykes.

According to KSP Media Specialist Mike Gobel, it was the second time that particular business has been robbed within four months. Other Pike County businesses, such as a convenience store in Sidney and a jewelry store in Pikeville, have been the targets of recent robberies as well.

Gobel said that although he doesn’t know why the rate of theft seems to be on the rise, he hopes business owners and employees do what they can to stay safe if they are the target of a robber and to help law enforcement.

“If there are people loitering around a business, employees and business owners need to be aware of that,” Gobel said. “Video cameras need to be place so that they can take good, clear pictures of people’s faces. “

He went on to explain the employees who are present during a robbery can help the police simply by being aware.

“Try to remember what the robber was wearing,” he said. “Remember how people talk, their speech can usually tell you if they are from the local area. Also, try to note their height on the measurements on the doors of the business.”

The main objective during a robbery, of course, is to stay safe, Gobel stressed.

“If they have a weapon, or if they say they do, cooperate any way possible. “If a person is desperate enough to rob a business with a gun, they will probably hurt you. Do what you can to get it over with as soon as possible.”

Gobel said the KSP would continue investigating these crimes and that some arrests have been made.

“We here at Post 9 are working as hard as possible to solve these robberies,” Gobel said. “We take our responsibility seriously, and we are not letting up.”