Manhattan restaurant owners are grappling with a surge in smash-and-grab burglaries, leaving them frustrated and financially strained. Balvanera, an Argentinean restaurant located on Stanton Street, has been targeted three times since last year, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages.
Similar incidents have occurred across the city, prompting owners to point fingers at the lack of police presence during early morning hours and a lack of consequences for repeat offenders.
Surge in Burglaries: Lower East Side Witnesses Shocking 63.6% Increase
NYPD’s own crime statistics
Fernando Navas, the chef and owner of Balvanera, expressed his concern over the escalating situation. “Every time, they break the glass and walk right to the cash register,” Navas explained.
Despite calling 911 and informing them about previous attacks on his restaurant, he believes that more needs to be done to address this issue collectively.
The Lower East Side, where Balvanera is situated, has seen a staggering 63.6% increase in burglaries this year compared to 2022 within a 28-day period ending in June. Nick Moshkovich, director of operations at Bonberi Mart on West 11th Street, shared his frustrations about being targeted due to lower foot traffic and insufficient police presence. Moshkovich emphasized the need for “boots on the ground” to deter such criminal activities effectively.
The financial burden caused by these incidents is pushing some restaurant owners to their limits. Navas disclosed that repairing damages from the recent break-in will cost him upwards of $1,500 on top of lost earnings from having to remain open despite the incident. Osteria 57 also experienced significant losses totaling $8,000 when a smash-and-grab thief made away with cash from the drawer along with laptops, iPads, and small appliances.
According to Navas, the combination of rampant burglaries and the challenges of running a restaurant in New York City have pushed him and his family to permanently relocate to Pittsburgh. The stress and financial strain on small businesses are becoming overwhelming, leading restaurant owners to question their future in the city.
The repeated crimes have had a profound impact on both business owners and customers. Emanuele Nigro, co-owner of Osteria 57, highlighted the sense of alarm that permeates through the community, adversely affecting business operations. The lack of police presence has emboldened thieves who take advantage of outdoor dining areas and strike when patrolling officers are no longer in sight.
As restaurant owners grapple with these disheartening circumstances, they are considering additional security measures such as installing stronger locks and surveillance systems. However, the financial burden incurred by such precautions further compounds the challenges faced by these establishments.
The surge in smash-and-grab burglaries serves as yet another blow to New York City’s struggling restaurant industry. With livelihoods at stake and an atmosphere of alarm looming over both owners and customers alike, immediate action is needed to reverse this unsettling trend.
