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NYC burglar steals $17K from small businesses in over a dozen incidents, police say
By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 21, 2025
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NurPhoto via Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 21, 2025
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Police on Friday were investigating a string of more than a dozen burglaries across Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn over the past two months by a man who allegedly stole more than $17,000 in cash and merchandise from multiple small businesses.
According to NYPD officials, the suspect broke windows and doors to gain entry into the establishments, including restaurants, beauty salons, clothing stores and bagel shops. No injuries were reported in the incidents, which took place mostly at night or in the early morning.
The spree began on Staten Island around 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 at a restaurant on Richmond Avenue, when the suspect stole $10,000, police said. He burglarized the same business twice more, on Feb. 14 and March 3, swiping more than $1,600, according to officials.
By early March, the NYPD said, the man had branched out to Lower Manhattan with break-ins in the Financial District and Tribeca. The most recent incidents occurred in mid-March in South Brooklyn, where several businesses in Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay were hit.
In one incident on March 11, police said the suspect used a hammer to break through the front door of a Manhattan business. Beyond money, the burglar is accused of stealing cash registers, electronics, liquor bottles and beauty products.
The NYPD released surveillance footage showing a man entering one of the businesses, and is asking for the public’s help in identifying him.
The NYPD released surveillance footage of a man who they said has been breaking into small businesses across the city.
NYPD
Burglaries in the city have been trending down in recent years, according to police data. So far this year through March 16, the NYPD has recorded more than 2,500 burglaries citywide, compared to more than 2,700 in the same period last year, or a 7% drop. Police have said most major crime has fallen, even as New Yorkers remain alarmed by a rise in lower-level offenses.
In another widespread string of burglaries police have been investigating, three suspects allegedly stole more than $10,000 in narcotics from at least 11 pharmacies.
This story is based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
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public safety
manhattan
brooklyn
staten island
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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