A brazen series of ATM robberies has swept across New York City, leaving authorities scrambling and businesses on edge.
At a Glance
- 49 stores in NYC targeted for ATM thefts between September and December
- Robberies spread across Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens
- Nearly $40,000 stolen from ATMs in two instances alone
- Three suspects used stolen cars as getaway vehicles
- Police seek public assistance to identify perpetrators
Wave of ATM Robberies Hits NYC
New York City is grappling with a coordinated series of robberies targeting ATM machines across the five boroughs. From September 19 to December 26, masked individuals struck 49 storefronts, primarily focusing on cash machines in a brazen display of organized crime.
The string of thefts has left business owners and residents alarmed as the perpetrators, using stolen vehicles for quick getaways, have managed to evade capture. The incidents, scattered across upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, highlight a growing concern over the city’s ability to combat rising crime rates.
NYC group robbed 49 stores all over city, stole ATMs, cash: police https://t.co/ATbeR0ahWZ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 5, 2025
Significant Cash Haul and Ongoing Investigation
While the total amount stolen remains undisclosed, authorities report that in just two instances in September, the thieves made off with nearly $40,000. This substantial sum underscores the severity of the crime spree and its potential impact on local businesses and the community at large.
“Robbers have targeted 49 New York City stores to steal ATM machines and get their hands on mountains of cash,” Police said.
Law enforcement officials have released surveillance footage showing suspects tampering with an ATM in Jackson Heights, Queens, on December 23. The clear images captured by security cameras have prompted authorities to turn to the public for assistance in identifying the perpetrators. Despite the available evidence, no arrests have been made as of yet.
Broader Context of Rising Crime
The ATM robbery spree is not occurring in isolation. It reflects a larger, troubling trend of increasing criminal activity in New York City. Reports indicate a five percent surge in shoplifting incidents, adding to the challenges faced by local businesses. In a stark illustration of the problem’s extent, a NYC supermarket resorted to using bolted plastic lids to protect ice cream from theft in 2023.
The city’s struggle with crime is further compounded by difficulties in recruiting new police officers. This shortage of law enforcement personnel raises questions about the NYPD’s capacity to effectively combat and manage the escalating crime rates.
Call for Public Assistance
As the investigation continues, the NYPD is actively seeking the public’s help in solving these crimes. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline or visit their website. The cooperation between law enforcement and the community is crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring a sense of security to New York City’s streets and businesses.
