Police are searching for a group of suspects accused of targeting pharmacies across New York City in a burglary spree that netted more than $60,000 in stolen medication and cash.
According to investigators, eight pharmacies across the five boroughs were targeted, including two locations in Brooklyn and one in the Baychester section of the Bronx. Detectives say the suspects stole money from safes and cash registers, along with prescription medications.
Surveillance video released by police shows several suspects carrying out the break-ins. In one incident, a suspect appears to use a tool to shatter a pharmacy's glass front door. Once an opening is created, two suspects crawl inside before a third person follows moments later.
The heists started on July 6, when the group broke into a Queens pharmacy at around 4:23 a.m. and removed approximately $20,300 worth of medication, $8,000 from a safe and $150 from the cash register.
The group went on to rob two more Queens pharmacies that morning.
On July 7, the group tried to rob a Brooklyn pharmacy at 41-57 Browne Street at around 4:57 a.m but were unable to open the front door.
An hour later they tried their luck again at another Brooklyn Pharmacy at 2116 Rockaway Parkway and were successful.
They removed approximately $28,400 worth of medication.
Police say the group typically strikes during the early morning hours, forcing entry through front doors or locks and, in some cases, using a crowbar.
Investigators say the suspects left empty-handed in four of the incidents, including an attempted break-in at a pharmacy on East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx.
On September 5, at around 4:30 a.m., the group allegedly tried and failed to gain entry to that pharmacy. Later the same day, police say the suspects targeted two pharmacies in Queens.
Police say the group has been using a gray SUV as a getaway vehicle. Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information about the burglaries is urged to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline.