‘Midnight Smashers’: Brazen ATM Heists Target NYC Small Businesses

Surveillance videos reveal the criminals using stolen vehicles, chains, and brute force to yank cash machines out of walls or carry them off manually. These brazen heists have left at least 49 businesses across 25 precincts reeling from losses, according to the United Bodegas of America (UBA). The trade group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their capture.

According to the NY Post, a coalition of small business owners is demanding New York City leaders crack down on crime as a band of thieves has smashed its way through 50 locations without getting caught. (Credit: UBA | NYPD)

Crime Thrives as Accountability Crumbles

Radhames Rodriguez, president of the UBA, minced no words in his criticism of New York’s new policies that limit police pursuits. “These so-called ‘minor offenses’ are often the breeding ground for more serious crimes creating a sense of lawlessness and impunity,” Rodriguez said.

The NYPD’s recently announced guidelines restrict officers from chasing suspects involved in non-violent or low-level crimes, citing safety concerns. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the policy, noting that one in four car chases in 2024 resulted in collisions or injuries.

But for business owners on the ground, these changes feel like a green light for criminal activity. Fernando Mateo, UBA spokesman, warned, “Low-level crimes must not be dismissed as insignificant because they escalate. Today it’s shoplifting, tomorrow it’s armed robbery.”

The Larger Picture: Erosion of Community Security

The “Midnight Smashers” aren’t just stealing cash; they’re ripping apart the fabric of local communities. For many bodega owners, these stores are more than businesses—they’re lifelines for their families and neighborhoods.

These thieves are destroying livelihoods and leaving small business owners defenseless. If the situation continues down this path of soft enforcement, we’re going to lose what makes our communities thrive: safety and accountability.

A Call to Action: Protect What Matters

The consequences of unchecked crime are clear: businesses shutter their doors, neighborhoods deteriorate, and the sense of community erodes. This is about more than just ATMs—it’s about preserving the cultural and economic backbone of our cities.

We must demand better. Call your local representatives, support law enforcement, and share your voice. If you have information about these crimes, contact the NYPD or United Bodegas of America immediately.

Our communities deserve security, justice, and the freedom to prosper without fear. Let’s stand together and protect what matters most.

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Join the conversation: Do you think New York’s pursuit policy strikes the right balance between safety and enforcement? Share your thoughts below or on social media with the hashtag #ProtectOurCommunities.