Group of teens believed to be behind string of armed robberies at Brooklyn small businesses
Surveillance video from Jan. 4 showed the group pulling a gun on the cashier, who put his hands up as one thief rummaged through the register and another checked the back of the store.
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In a News 12 exclusive, a trio of teenagers are believed to be behind a string of armed robberies that targeted small businesses in Brooklyn.
Lauren Cawdrey, owner of Willougby General in Bushwick, said the group walked into her store around 6:15 p.m. on Monday.
“They just said, ‘If you stay calm and corporate, this will be over really quickly,’” said Cawdrey. “And they were out in a minute.”
Cawdrey said the group, who had their faces covered and dressed in dark clothing, got away with about $250 in cash and her employee’s cellphone.
“There is now a fear that wasn’t there before,” said Cawdrey.
Located a mile away on Nostrand Avenue in Bed-Stuy, Liquid Assets owner Nigel Frankson said the same crew recently robbed his wine shop twice in one week and took a total of about $800.
“They were really quick about it,” said Frankson. “They came in, they got the cash and left.”
Surveillance video from Jan. 4 showed the group pulling a gun on the cashier, who put his hands up as one thief rummaged through the register and another checked the back of the store.
The gunpoint robberies not only had business owners concerned, but it forced them to increase their security, their staffing, and even change their hours of operation.
“We used to be open until 7 p.m., and now we’re going to close at 5 p.m. for the winter until it starts getting lighter later,” said Cawdrey.
Frankson said he installed a new buzzer system to enter the store.
“It’s unfortunate because it makes it feel like the neighborhood is going backwards,” said Frankson.
Police said no one was hurt during the incidents.
