‘Not a rookie job.’ ATM theft duo behind citywide spree targets East New York
According to the NYPD, the suspects are believed to be responsible for at least 17 incidents reported across multiple precincts in Brooklyn and Queens over the span of several weeks.
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Police are searching for two suspects accused of stealing or attempting to steal ATM machines from stores across New York City, with many of the incidents concentrated in Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood.
According to the NYPD, the suspects are believed to be responsible for at least 17 incidents reported across multiple precincts in Brooklyn and Queens over the span of several weeks. Investigators say the crimes include ATM thefts, attempted ATM removals, car thefts and stealing cash from machines.
One of the most recent incidents happened at a store on Arlington Avenue, where an ATM was ripped out overnight. Jorge Cruz, who works at the store, said he realized something was wrong as soon as he arrived for work.
“I’m surprised because it has screws under the floor. I was like… how?” Cruz said.
The ATM had been bolted into the floor, but Cruz said the suspects appeared to know exactly what they were doing.
“There is nothing missing, they only come for the ATM,” Cruz said.
Less than two miles away on Linden Boulevard, another store narrowly avoided a similar theft about two hours later.
“When the alarm rang, they left right away,” said Mostafa Tahmim, a gas station clerk. “They break the lock in 20 or 30 seconds. They’re so professional. They did everything within two minutes and they left.”
Customers who frequent the stores say the crimes are distressing.
“If you can come in and take out an ATM, you got to be a professional,” said Jermaine Watson, a regular customer. “That ain’t no rookie job.”
Police say the same crew is responsible for targeting multiple locations overnight, often focusing only on ATM machines and leaving the rest of the store untouched.
The NYPD is asking anyone who recognizes the suspects to contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or in Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips online at CrimeStoppers.
