Brooklyn Bodega Robbery Sparks Security Concerns
BROOKLYN – A violent robbery at a bodega in Bedford-Stuyvesant has ignited a fresh call for increased security measures across local shops.
Details of the Incident
Surveillance footage captured early Sunday morning reveals four masked assailants, attired in NYPD jackets and hats, storming a bodega situated near Marcus Garvey Blvd. and Willoughby Ave. The robbers violently overpowered a store employee, throwing him to the ground and dragging him to a different area within the store. Two additional individuals were also victimized during the incident, which culminated in the theft of cash and a bag of lottery tickets.
“Now they’re dressing like cops,”
— Fernando Matteo, United Bodegas of America Spokesperson
Responses to the Robbery
Officials reported that the assailants displayed a firearm and restrained one of the workers during the heist. In the aftermath, Fernando Matteo, spokesperson for the United Bodegas of America, held a press conference to address the alarming frequency of such incidents, characterizing this event as “the frosting on the cake.”
Call for Enhanced Security Measures
The robbery has revitalized the UBA’s advocacy for panic buttons and other security enhancements in bodegas. Matteo highlighted the recently announced $5 million tax credit from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, aimed at assisting small businesses in upgrading their security systems.
Concerns Over Impersonation of Law Enforcement
Retired NYPD detective Mike Alcazar expressed concern regarding the apparent ease with which NYPD gear can be purchased online. “Uniform equipment stores are not supposed to sell [NYPD gear] unless they’re NYPD or corrections… they’re supposed to abide by those rules,” he noted. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is currently investigating the incident due to the robbers’ impersonation of law enforcement officers.
Community Action and Assistance
In response to the robbery, the UBA has announced a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the capture of the suspects. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
The Source: This article draws upon reporting from FOX 5 NY’s Linda Schmidt, a press release from the United Bodegas of America, and additional information from Governor Hochul’s office.
