Adam Buehler installed new video cameras, added security fencing and cut his hours of operation to combat a recent series of armed robberies.

Now the fast-food regional manager wants to know what Akron is going to do to help him fight crime and keep his employees safe.

''I'm tired of being robbed,'' Buehler said as he sat in a booth at an Arby's restaurant on Romig Road, one of seven local Arby's he manages for the national fast-food chain.

During an Akron City Council meeting Monday night, Buehler made the same declaration to council members.

Since the beginning of the year, gunmen have robbed his restaurants four times, Buehler told the council. Three robberies were at the Arby's on East Tallmadge Avenue in North Akron and one was at the Arby's on West Market Street in the Wallhaven area.

''I explained to them that businesses are in a partnership with the city,'' Buehler said, stressing that city officials and business people should work together to solve issues like safety.

''I'm willing to do my part, but I need help.''

In recent weeks, Buehler said, his relationship with the city has frustrated him.

''I've installed better monitoring equipment, put up fencing. We've spent more than $5,000,'' Buehler said. ''I'm concerned about how frequently my management teams are having guns in their faces.''

The most recent robbery occurred March 20, when two gunmen walked into the East Tallmadge restaurant around 8:30 p.m. and robbed the employees.

''These guys didn't even bother to try to conceal their identities,'' Buehler said. ''One guy stood outside, not allowing anyone to enter, while the other guy cleared the safe Please see Arby's, B4

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and the cash drawers.''

He said he went to the council meeting to find out how the city and police plan to protect businesses.

''What's being done?'' he asked.

Ward 2 Councilman Bruce Kilby said he understands Buehler's anxiety and said he, too, is concerned by what seems to be a growing number of armed robberies at fast-food restaurants.

''Stores in Akron are being victimized,'' Kilby said. ''If we let this thing get out of control, these companies might decide to leave, and you won't be able to get a hamburger around here.''

Ideas for security

The councilman said he met with Buehler after Monday's meeting and ''kicked around a few ideas.'' Kilby said creative methods need to be found to deter robbers.

One suggestion was to have police officers park their cruisers in fast-food lots while doing their paperwork.

Police said a special detail has been formed to focus on fast-food robberies.

Akron Detective James Pasheilich said police are diligently working the Arby's robberies and several others. He noted that the two arrests in January could be connected to at least one Arby's holdup.

Desmond A. Billingsley, 18, and Richard Delaney, 19, who are in the Summit County Jail, are accused of being part of a crew that enters businesses, threatens employees and demands money. Those robberies, which numbered at least 13, usually involved two or three masked gunman.

Pasheilich said he couldn't confirm whether there has been an uptick in armed robberies at fast-food restaurants, but he did say there has been a ''rash'' of them since late last year.

''Unfortunately, when the economy goes bad, we see a rise in robberies,'' Pasheilich said.

Another suggestion forwarded at the council meeting was the hiring of off-duty police officers to provide in-store security.

''An officer presence always helps,'' Pasheilich said.

Buehler said he is considering that option, along with others. One thing he is committed to doing is strengthening his relationship with the police department.

''I'm going to broaden that relationship with police, particularly with the guys on the beat,'' Buehler said.

Police sergeant praised

He said he already has been working with Sgt. Erik Wells in the police community relations department. ''He has been extremely helpful,'' Buehler said.

He said Wells has come out to his stores to help position security cameras, offer safety suggestions and brief staff on security.

''He's told them things like how to identify if a store is being cased,'' Buehler said.

He said his employees have also been told to notice certain clothing, such as a man with a bandanna, which could be pulled up quickly to mask a face.

Buehler said he left Monday's council meeting feeling that the council heard and understood his concerns and was taking them seriously.

''There were some good ideas shared,'' Buehler said. ''I'm feeling encouraged.''