Burglary spree targets Williamsburg businesses; 4 people wanted
Police say the group struck 15 times between Feb. 22 and March 9, with nine incidents happening in a six-hour time span on March 4, according to authorities.
Williamsburg businesses were the main target in a string of burglaries, and police are searching for four people they say are responsible.
Police say the group struck 15 times between Feb. 22 and March 9, with nine incidents happening in a six-hour time span on March 4, according to authorities.
Authorities say the group broke into nine businesses in Williamsburg, one in Greenpoint and five in Queens.
Police say the first incident happened around 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 22 at Syrena Bakery in Greenpoint.
Police say the group used a crowbar to pry open the front store and got away with $1,800 and an $800 check.
The group encountered a 52-year-old man during a break-in on March 4 at 98 South 4th St., held him at gunpoint and failed to take anything from the business.
Police say in some of the instances the group didn't take anything, but in other cases they took things like cash, social security cards, cellphones and more.
Resident Steven Panariello says it's unheard of in the area.
“I think we are in a little bit of a bubble in Williamsburg. We tend to feel very safe. So to have that bubble burst is it's scary," said Panariello.
Christine Huang is surprised it's happened in an area with so many businesses.
“That's very concerning. I'm surprised because this is a very well trafficked area and it's full of obviously like really high end stores and stuff," said Huang.
No one was hurt during any of the break-ins, according to authorities.
Anyone with information is urged to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
