Police probe citywide burglary spree targeting small businesses
Surveillance footage from one of the burglaries shows a suspect breaking into Tofu Box, a Williamsburg restaurant, just before dawn on Dec. 18.
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Police are investigating a string of at least 10 break-ins at small businesses in New York City since early December. Authorities believe the same suspect may be behind all of them, with four incidents occurring in Brooklyn and others reported in Manhattan and Queens.
Surveillance footage from one of the burglaries shows a suspect breaking into Tofu Box, a Williamsburg restaurant, just before dawn on Dec. 18.
The thief made off with cash and electronics.
A week later, on Christmas Day, another break-in was reported at Bogati's Snacks in Bushwick. Police say the suspect forced entry by breaking the front lock, stealing approximately $600 and even frying pots before fleeing the scene.
News 12 spoke with business managers in the Bushwick area like Adrian Chen who works at Akaru Sushi. Chen says it's surprising to hear about the robberies.
“I’ve been here for more than 10 years, I’ve never had any robberies here," said Chen.
The spree continued into the new year. A nail salon on Myrtle Avenue was hit in January, with the thief stealing thousands of dollars in cash and supplies. Most recently, a sushi restaurant in Midwood was targeted on Jan. 8, where the suspect allegedly took a cash register and a safe box.
People like Shadaisa Moore tell News 12 it's saddening to hear that the person is targeting small businesses.
"It makes me feel sad because these workers, they work pretty hard to have this over here and to have somebody come in and rob them. It's really unfortunate," said Moore.
Police have released surveillance images in hopes that someone may recognize the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS.
