The Boston Police Department has issued a community alert after a series of commercial robberies have hit the city, with four incidents reported over the past week where assailants have targeted cash registers. In each case, the suspects appeared to be customers attempting to make a purchase, only to steal the cash register after the clerk opened it, as detailed on the BPD’s official website.
The pattern involves a suspect or suspects using the distraction of a transaction to take the register. Described as wearing a black puffy jacket with the hood up, black pants, and a black surgical mask, the suspect has yet to be apprehended. Notably, during the robberies, no weapons have been reported to be used.
The affected locations include 853 River Street and 59 Fairmount Avenue in Hyde Park, 739 Parker Street in Roxbury, and 186 Heath Street in Jamaica Plain. These areas have been shaken by the sudden spate of thefts, prompting a call for vigilance among shopkeepers and community members.
Boston Police are urging anyone with information about these incidents or any similar activity to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. People can contact the BPD or call 911 in case of an emergency. For those preferring to remain anonymous, the CrimeStoppers Tip Line is available at 1-800-494-TIPS, or tips can be texted to CRIME (27463). Online submissions can also be made through the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website. The department assures that it strictly protects the identities of individuals, who provide information under the cloak of anonymity.
