NYPD Investigating 17 Thefts in Citywide ATM and Vehicle Crime Pattern; One in Williamsburg

By Y.M. Lowy

The NYPD is asking for the public’s help as it investigates a group of suspects believed to be responsible for 17 thefts across multiple neighborhoods, targeting ATMs and unattended vehicles in several Brooklyn and Queens precincts. Police say the same individuals are linked to all of the incidents, which took place between October through late December.

For Williamsburg residents, Incident #8 stands out. On Monday, December 8, around 4:20 a.m., two suspects forced their way into a business at 172 Havemeyer Street and removed an ATM. The suspects fled northbound on Havemeyer Street in an unknown vehicle. Investigators believe this break-in follows the same pattern seen across the city, with late-night entries and quick escapes.

Authorities say many of the incidents involved ATMs being ripped out of stores, while others involved stolen parked vehicles, often taken when left unattended overnight. Here is a brief summary of the other reported incidents, each believed to be connected:

Incident #1: On October 16, a parked vehicle was stolen from 188 Street in Queens.

Incident #2: On October 16, an ATM was stolen from a business on Sutter Avenue in Brooklyn.

Incident #3: On October 17, an ATM was removed from a Fulton Street business.

Incident #4: On October 31, cash was taken from an ATM inside a Van Siclen Avenue store.

Incident #5: On November 19, three suspects stole an ATM from Sutter Avenue and fled in a minivan.

Incident #6: On December 6, an ATM was taken from a Liberty Avenue business.

Incident #7: On December 7, a parked vehicle was stolen near Crommelin Street and Cherry Avenue.

Incident #9: On December 13, a parked vehicle was stolen from 78 Avenue in Queens.

Incident #10: On December 13, an ATM was taken from a Nostrand Avenue business.

Incident #11: On December 14, another ATM was stolen from a nearby Nostrand Avenue location.

Incident #12: On December 15, three suspects removed an ATM from North 5th Street in Williamsburg.

Incident #13: On December 19, a vehicle was stolen near the Horace Harding Expressway.

Incident #14: On December 20, suspects stole a cash register and cash from an ATM on Hillside Avenue.

Incident #15: On December 20, an ATM was taken from a business on 69 Avenue.

Incident #16: On December 27, an ATM was removed from an Arlington Avenue location.

Incident #17: On December 27, suspects attempted to remove an ATM from Linden Boulevard but fled.

Police say the repeated nature of these crimes suggests coordination and planning, with suspects targeting businesses during overnight hours when streets are quieter and stores are closed.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can be provided anonymously.