National Retail Solutions is installing free panic buttons across all five boroughs in an effort to protect bodegas across the city.  

Las Yaris Food Deli owner Yaris Soto says her store is robbed daily and showed News 12 surveillance footage of a fight between an alleged robber and Soto. She says the incident turned violent when she tried to stop him.  

“This morning, someone attempted to rob us, and we had to fight back. He was our first client of the day,” said Soto. “Once you get here, it’s like you got to have your gloves ready to fight.” 

Soto says that the installation of the secret alarm is helping her and her employees feel much safer knowing that help will be on the way at the press of a button.  

“I would call the police… but it would take officers 30 [minutes] to two hours to respond,” said Soto.  

This panic button usually ranges in price between $500 and $1,000. It is being offered free of charge thanks to the Bronx Community Foundation’s grant program.  When the button is triggered, it will automatically contact the local police precinct and notify the precinct where help is needed.