NEW YORK CITY (PIX 11) — The United Bodegas of America is calling for enhanced safety measures to protect bodegas across the city after police say a slew of bodegas were hit in a robbery spree.
According to investigators, 49 bodegas have been targeted over a span of three months, from September to December — with a group of burglars stealing ATMs. The United Bodegas of America is now offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
The recent incidents have left bodega owners demanding better protection and more resources. Fernando Mateo, spokesperson of United Bodegas of America, spoke out Thursday as police search for three individuals wanted in connection to the burglaries. He’s dubbed the robbery crew “Midnight Smashers” and said they’ve made off with tens of thousands of dollars.
“How could we have not made an arrest? How could we have not identified who these guys are? They drive cars. They drive in the streets. There’s gotta be cameras that can track these vehicles,” Mateo said.
The individuals are using stolen vehicles and license plates to commit the crimes, according to police.
Surveillance video from an East Elmhurst, Queens bodega showed two of the suspects removing an ATM machine overnight — just days before Christmas — before making their getaway. Harjeet Singh owns the store.
“They broke the door, entered, they cut the lock first, and took the ATM within 5-10 minutes,” Singh said.
Alicia Fernandez knows all too well the toll of brazen robberies, recounting how her bodega was targeted last year. She said since then, it feels like little has been done to combat the issue.
“We don’t see no progress,” she said. “We don’t see any improvement. Like, in doing a little bit better. No. It’s still like, the same.”
She and other bodega owners are calling for the NYPD and elected officials to take action to help combat these crimes — hoping for increased police patrols and funding for safety measures like panic buttons.
A spokesperson for the Governor's office says Hochul allocated $40 million to local district attorneys to combat retail theft. She also allocated a $5 million tax credit to help Business owners invest in added security measures.
Last year, Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced a bill called the 'Bodega Act' in response to a series of attacks on bodegas. As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
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