Cops Seek Crook For Ongoing Pattern
Law enforcement agents continue to search for the bandit who broke through rooftops and stole loot from southwestern Queens stores during a recent burglary pattern.
Police got a glimpse of the perpetrator from footage obtained during the most recent caper, which occurred on the morning of Feb. 20 at the Pioneer supermarket located at 90-01 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven.
According to authorities, the suspect-who was observed on the video wearing a miner’s light on his head-cut a hole through the roof in order to enter the supermarket. Once inside, he reportedly removed $1,000 in cash and $600 worth of phone cards.
Sources with the NYPD stated the method of entry and items stolen fit an active pattern of commercial break-ins dating back to last December. In each caper, it was noted, the crook entered through a hole in the roof or an air conditioner vent during late night or early morning hours, then removed cash and/or phone cards and scratch-off lottery tickets.
The shopkeepers reported the incidents to police upon opening their shops and discovering signs of a burglary.
Police said the first caper took place early on the morning of Dec. 14, 2013 inside the Grand 99 Cents Store located at 85-08 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven. During the incident, authorities said, the culprit pried open several cash registers and removed a quantity of currency.
More than a month later, law enforcement sources said, the bandit visited the Bravo supermarket located at 108-54 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. in South Jamaica on the morning of Jan. 17. Reportedly, he removed $100 in cash from four registers.
The third incident took place two days later on the night of Jan. 19 at a shop located at 167-02 Hillside Ave. in Jamaica. Police said the burglar removed $5,000 from a register and from inside a back office.
Law enforcement sources said the fourth break-in occurred early on the morning of Jan. 31 at a variety store located at 77-10 101st Ave. in Ozone Park.
Reportedly, the crook took $2,000 in cash from the register and $2,000 worth of phone cards.
That same night, police noted, the perpetrator went to South Richmond Hill and removed $1,200 in cash from inside the 99 Cent Deal Store located at 120-10 Liberty Ave.
Finally, authorities noted, the burglar made his way into the Super Pioneer Supermarket at 127-16 111th Ave. in South Ozone Park on the morning of Feb. 5 and removed 29 scratch-off lottery tickets, $1,400 in cash and $1,040 worth of phone cards.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the burglaries or the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800- 577-TIPS, by text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
All calls and messages will be kept confidential.
