LANDOVER, Md. – A local business owner in Prince George’s County is speaking out after another one of her establishments was targeted by criminals — just days after a bold theft occurred at her nearby hair salon.
Jeimy Flournoy, owner of both Salon 809 and 809 Laundromat, says she’s dealing with the emotional and financial toll of repeated break-ins. On early Monday morning, her laundromat was broken into, leaving shattered glass and growing concerns about safety for small businesses in the area.
Second Incident in Just One Week
The latest break-in occurred less than a week after bundles of hair were stolen in broad daylight from Flournoy’s salon, located just steps from the laundromat. In that incident, captured on surveillance footage, two individuals were seen casually browsing before grabbing hair products off display racks and walking out of the store without paying.
Now, with her laundromat’s front glass door smashed in and another police report filed, Flournoy says she’s had enough.
“I pay thousands in taxes every year, but where is the protection?” she told FOX 5. “We’re out here trying to build something for our families, and we keep getting hit.”
Longstanding Issues with Crime
Flournoy owns three businesses in Prince George’s County, and this isn’t the first time they’ve been targeted. She says each incident chips away at her ability to stay open and serve the community.
“These crimes don’t just damage our property — they damage our sense of security. They discourage entrepreneurship,” she explained. “It’s hard to keep rebuilding every time someone breaks in.”
Surveillance systems, reinforced locks, and other preventative measures have already been put in place. But Flournoy says it hasn’t been enough to stop repeat criminal activity.
County Response: Crime Down Overall, But Concerns Remain
In response to growing public concern, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy released a statement acknowledging the incidents and committing to further support.
“We value our businesses in Prince George’s County and appreciate their dedication and commitment. They are the engine behind our economy,” said Braveboy.
“We and our law enforcement partners have worked diligently to put crime fighting strategies in place that have effectively reduced crime. As a result, overall crime is down by 15% and continues to trend downward.”
Braveboy acknowledged Flournoy’s frustration, stating that the police department is actively investigating the recent break-in and that county officials will reach out to explore specific ways to better safeguard her businesses.
Community Calls for Action
While data may show crime trending down, business owners like Flournoy say they aren’t feeling that progress on the ground.
“What matters to me is that my businesses have been broken into multiple times — and no one is around to stop it,” she said. “We can’t just accept that this is normal.”
Residents and other local entrepreneurs have voiced their support for Flournoy on social media, urging local leaders to increase patrols, provide grants for better security systems, and strengthen protections for small businesses.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Flournoy remains committed to her businesses and the community she serves.
“I’m not giving up,” she said. “But I am demanding more from the people who are supposed to protect us.”
As investigations continue into both break-ins, Flournoy hopes her story will be a wake-up call — not just for local officials, but for the broader community — that small businesses need more than words of encouragement. They need action.
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