A shadowy group of thieves in New York City has been targeting small business owners, stealing ATMs and cash from convenience stores and grocery shops. At least 49 businesses have been robbed, with the total number expected to rise.
The stolen vehicles are stolen cars, and the thieves use them to drive to the crime scene, haul out the ATMs, and make off with the cash. The UBA, a trade group representing small business owners, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the thieves.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is working to identify the culprits and has released surveillance footage of the suspects. The footage shows the thieves hauling out ATMs, ripping through walls, and making off with the cash.
The NYPD has also announced a new policy on pursuits, which limits police chases to only violent and serious crimes. This change has been met with criticism from some, who argue that it will embolden criminals and lead to more harm to innocent people.
The new policy states that officers will no longer be able to pursue suspects for non-violent and lower-level crimes, citing the risk of collateral damage and injury. The NYPD claims that the new policy will minimize the risk of harm to the public and police officers.
However, some critics argue that the change sends the wrong message, and that low-level crimes can escalate into more serious offenses. They are urging the city to go back to fully prosecuting low-level crimes.
The UBA has also criticized the new policy, saying that it will lead to a sense of lawlessness and impunity. They are calling for the NYPD to go back to fully prosecuting low-level crimes and are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the ATM thieves.
The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects and remains at large.