The New York City Police Department is actively searching for three male suspects believed to be involved in a series of smash-and-grab robberies targeting jewelry stores across the city. According to a report from ABC7NY, the latest incident took place at 'Pyramids Jewelry II' in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where the would-be robbers used sledgehammers in an unsuccessful attempt to breach the store's reinforced bullet-proof windows.
Just mere days before the thwarted attempt in Bay Ridge, 'Abid Jewelers' in Jackson Heights, Queens, was not as fortunate. Thieves, wielding hammers, managed to take off with an estimated $800,000 worth of jewelry. Ibrahim Salem, the owner of 'Pyramids Jewelry', recounted the harrowing moment, "He has limited time - maximum 30 seconds - he boom, boom, boom, boom, quickly, quickly, quickly, run," as he told ABC7NY. In this recent string of events, Salem's quick thinking and security measures led to a different outcome for his store.
Surveillance video captured the suspects clad in all black alongside their sledgehammers outside 'Pyramids Jewelry II.' They eventually fled the scene in separate vehicles. News 12, which reported on these incidents, reached out to the owner of 'Pyramids Jewelry II' for comment but has yet to hear back. The report from News 12 provides further details on the suspects and the ongoing investigation.
The NYPD encourages anyone with knowledge about the suspects or the heists to come forward. The impact of these crimes extends beyond the loss of merchandise, with the first incident costing 'Pyramids Jewelry' approximately $2,800 in damages to the storefront alone. "Somebody supposed to tell them - if you work, hard work, or if you go to school - you'll be a doctor, you'll be a lawyer, now you lost your life," Salem lamented, reflecting on the long-term repercussions for the youth involved in such criminal activities, as he told ABC7NY.
