Bronx store owners react to latest string of citywide robberies during the holidays, after they were robbed earlier this year
Following the string of robberies earlier this year, Fordham’s Business Improvement District offered $1,500 grants for shops to improve their security.
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Jewelry stores along East Fordham Road in the Bronx are on alert after a string of robberies across the city during the height of the holidays.
“Wow, [with] the hammer!” said Muhammad Abbasi, owner of Tiple III Corp, as he watched surveillance video of a robbery in Brooklyn.
“[The robbers] weren’t able to go inside,” said Naimul Hassan Syed, owner of King Hassan Jewelry NYC, who watched the same video. “That’s a getaway car.”
The Bronx business owners said it was a familiar scene because they were robbed earlier this year.
“They broke through from the door from outside, and they took a lot of stuff,” said Abbasi.
Abbasi said he was robbed twice this year and lost $30,000 to $40,000 worth of merchandise.
He told News 12 that the area around his Fordham store is covered with crime.
“I’ve never seen [it] like this,” Abbasi said. “It’s now every other day. The cops, they come to check my cameras.”
Following the string of robberies earlier this year, Fordham’s Business Improvement District offered $1,500 grants for shops to improve their security.
Syed said it made an impact.
“I do feel a little bit more at ease than on edge,” said Syed.
Syed told News 12 he was robbed eight times this year, but thankfully, not since he used the grant to install a door buzzer, alarm system and panic button.
He said he also feels an extra layer of security with the NYPD nearby.
“They always bring some auxiliary police officers during the holiday season,” said Syed. “So far, they’ve been really helpful to all the businesses.”
The owners said they’re taking other precautions by not selling high-end jewelry, just so they’re not targeted this holiday season.
