By Juan Soto
Police are on the look out for a thief who raided about 16 small businesses in Queens and stole thousands of dollars in cash, as well as cigarettes, lottery tickets and candy, said the authorities.
The NYPD said the suspect allegedly entered the locations through the roof, rear doors or ventilation ducts. Police are trying to identified the suspect, described only as a male.
The crime spree began June 29 when the suspect accessed an establishment through the roof located at 234-20 Merrick Blvd, in Laurelton, and took about $3,200 from the cash register and the ATM, said police.
The NYPD said the suspect entered another business on Merrick Boulevard in Laurelton a few weeks later and removed cash from the store.
Other heists occurred in Jamaica, Astoria and Bayside, among others. The suspect also stole money from stores in The Bronx.
The NYPD said the suspect last hit Queens Sept. 18, and removed $200 from the register at an establishment in College Point.
