Robbers Lock Employees in Popular Irish Pub's Freezer

Dallas police are increasing patrols along Henderson Avenue in Dallas after a robbery at a popular pub Wednesday morning.

Police said three armed robbers held up the Old Monk. Investigators said the men overpowered a bar employee when he opened the back door to shake out a bar mat just after closing time.

"There's a good chance they were doing their homework and had been scouting out the location," Senior Cpl. Kevin Janse said.

All of the customers were gone, but seven employees were inside.

"They demanded everyone's cell phones so they couldn't call 911, of course," Janse said.

The robbers forced the employees into a walk-in freezer at gunpoint, police said. The employees said they were stuck in the freezer for up to 30 minutes before officers arrived.

"I walk my dog right by that freezer every night," neighbor Joey Mundy said. "This is pretty scary."

The Super Bowl is just weeks away, and Dallas police said more officers will patrol the Knox-Henderson neighborhood, which is known for its lively nightlife.

"With this being one of our entertainment districts, we want to know that people can go out to these places and feel safe," Janse said.

The owner of the Old Monk, Feargal McKinney, said his employees are visibly shaken from the ordeal.

McKinney said he offered to replace everything that was stolen from his employees. He is also offering his employees counseling and time off.

McKinney said he hopes police apprehend the robbers as soon as possible.