A shadowy group of robbers is using vans and tow chains to pull ATMs out of the ground and out of stores by hand, defrauding small business owners in New York City, according to a video show.
At least 49 businesses have been robbed so far in the spree, according to the United Bodegas of America (UBA) trade group, which has put a $5,000 reward on the robbers. Bodega is a term often used to describe an urban convenience store or small grocery store.
According to the New York City Police Department, investigators believe the thieves were a trio using stolen cars, and the crimes were reported in at least 25 of the city's 78 precincts.
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A pair of robbers pulls out an ATM from a small business in New York City. The NYPD is investigating three suspects involved in at least 49 similar robberies. (New York City Police Department)
The group's president, Radames Rodríguez, told Fox News Digital that authorities need to return to full prosecution of low-level crimes, and the NYPD bans police from pursuing non-violent and low-level crime suspects. criticized the country's newly announced tracking policy.
“While we understand the need for balance in law enforcement, limiting pursuits to only suspects involved in violent felonies and misdemeanors sends a dangerous message to offenders who have committed low-level crimes. “I'm going to send it to you,” he told FOX News Digital. “These so-called ‘misdemeanors’ often become breeding grounds for more serious crimes, creating a sense of injustice and impunity.”
The city has taken steps to combat rising crime, but business owners see the new pursuit policy as a setback.
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Thieves tear off the side wall of a New York City store and steal an ATM from inside. The NYPD is investigating three suspects in connection with 49 similar crimes, including stolen vehicles. (Yuba)
“There needs to be accountability for criminal activity at all levels,” UBA spokesperson Fernando Mateo told FOX News Digital. “Low-level crimes should not be dismissed as minor because they escalate. Today it's shoplifting, tomorrow it's armed robbery.”
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Wednesday that new vehicle tracking guidelines will minimize the risk of collateral damage.
According to the NYPD, 25% of car chases in 2024 resulted in a collision, property damage, or injury. Two-thirds of those began with traffic stops where the suspect fled. In these situations, police officers are no longer authorized to pursue.
The new rules limit police officers to car chases for serious crimes, such as felonies and violent misdemeanors.
“The NYPD's enforcement efforts should never put the public or our police officers at unreasonable risk, and the pursuit of violations and minor crimes is potentially dangerous and unnecessary,” Tisch said in a statement. said. “Modern law enforcement’s advanced tools allow us to apprehend criminals more safely and effectively than ever before, making many chases unnecessary.”
NYC group robs 49 stores in the city, steals ATMs and steals cash: Police
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch hold a press conference in New York City on December 19, 2024. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
The ATM thief remains at large.
But Joseph Giacalone, a former NYPD sergeant and professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said the new guidelines don't actually represent a major change.
“The policy has always been that it is the patrol supervisor's responsibility to cancel vehicle pursuits based on certain factors.” [as] “It's written in the patrol guide,” he told Fox News Digital. “She's putting it out there to let everyone know. It already existed, but to finally enforce it, the New York City Council is going to pack Chicago and ban any and all pursuits, including “Would it be?” Foot pursuit. It's only a matter of time. ”
He warned that even though the pendulum appears to be starting to swing back toward tough-on-crime efforts across the United States, some leaders in blue cities are not yet on board with it.
An NYPD vehicle is seen in Times Square on October 24, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto, Getty Images)
“Voting may have changed the message of how people feel about what they want police to do in America, but cities are firmly aligned with the pro-police abolitionist crowd.” he said.
While the announcement regarding its investigation policy has been criticized, the NYPD made another major change this week. Patrols of night subway cars have been stepped up, days after the head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority told residents traffic crime was on their minds.
“The NYPD will roll out an ambitious plan to phase in two officers on each night train,” the department announced Thursday. “The first phase will officially begin on Monday, with an initial 100 officers taking part. Further phases will be rolled out over the coming weeks, with the full operation expected to be complete by the end of the month.”
Police released surveillance video showing two suspects removing the ATM from the store. UBA also shared a video showing him using a chain attached to the back of a van to destroy a wall and steal another van.
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Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the thieves.
“Between Thursday, September 19, 2024, and Thursday, December 26, 2024, a total of 49 incidents were reported to police in New York where three unidentified individuals removed vehicles and license plates.” a city police spokesperson told Fox News. digital. “The individuals then used these stolen vehicles to travel to a commercial facility, where they forcibly entered and removed ATMs and other facilities. The individuals fled the location in various vehicles.”
