A brazen trio of masked criminals has unleashed a wave of ATM thefts across New York City, targeting 49 locations and amassing $40,000 in stolen cash.
At a Glance
- Three masked suspects targeted 49 stores across NYC for ATM thefts
- Robberies occurred between September 19 and December 26, 2024
- Thieves stole nearly $40,000 from ATMs in two instances
- Incidents span Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens
- Police seek public assistance to identify the suspects
Crime Spree Across the Big Apple
New York City is grappling with a startling crime wave as three masked individuals have embarked on a daring series of ATM thefts. The criminals have targeted 49 locations across the city, including upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The audacious crime spree, which began on September 19 and continued through December 26, has left law enforcement scrambling to catch the perpetrators.
The suspects, whose identities remain unknown, have employed a cunning strategy of using stolen cars as getaway vehicles. This tactic has allowed them to execute rapid escapes, making it challenging for authorities to apprehend them. In a particularly alarming development, the thieves managed to steal nearly $40,000 from ATMs in just two instances in September, highlighting the lucrative nature of their criminal enterprise.
NYC group robbed 49 stores all over city, stole ATMs, cash: police https://t.co/ATbeR0ahWZ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 5, 2025
Surveillance Footage and Public Appeal
Law enforcement officials have released surveillance footage capturing the suspects in action. One particularly striking image shows the criminals brazenly removing an ATM from a business establishment. On December 23, cameras caught the suspects tampering with an ATM in Jackson Heights, Queens, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is now turning to the public for assistance in identifying these elusive criminals. They urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit tips through their website. As of now, no arrests have been made, intensifying the urgency of the investigation.
The ATM thefts are part of a broader trend of increasing crime rates in New York City. Authorities report a troubling five percent surge in shoplifting incidents, pointing to a deteriorating security situation across the metropolis. This uptick in criminal activity has forced businesses to take extreme measures to protect their merchandise.
In a stark illustration of the dire circumstances, a New York City supermarket resorted to using bolted plastic lids to safeguard ice cream from theft in 2023. This extreme step underscores the lengths to which businesses must go to protect even everyday items from increasingly brazen criminals.
As the city grapples with this crime wave, law enforcement faces significant challenges in responding effectively. Ongoing recruitment issues within the police force have made it difficult to deploy sufficient resources to address the mounting crime rates adequately. This staffing shortage compounds the problem, potentially emboldening criminals and leaving citizens feeling vulnerable.
If you survive long enough in NYC and don’t get burned alive on a train, you better hope you’re not at an ATM when the masked gangs are out.
