On The Beat

Clerks at gas station-based convenience stores should apply for combat pay.

There have been over a dozen of these hybrid businesses robbed over the past couple years in the Riverhead area.

Two more were hit Saturday, one right after the other, and police have video of the terrifying encounters.

The men, wearing dark or black tops and pants, had masks on and hoodies over their heads. The hoodies appear to have grey lining inside. The men robbed the Mobil gas station at 1575 Old Country Road at about 7:30 PM, taking cash and cigarettes. At 7:43, they entered another Mobil station at 3705 Middle Country Road, again demanding cigarettes and cash. One of the men, who had newer low top white sneakers on, flashed a handgun.

Riverhead Town Police are looking for possible witnesses and are requesting that anyone with any information about the robberies call 631-727-4500. All calls will be kept confidential, detectives stressed.