NYC Bodega ATM Robberies: $5,000 Reward Offered for "Midnight Mashers"

<img src="https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/15784209_010925-wabc-bodega-atm-robberies-img.jpg" alt="Reward offered in search of NYC bodega ATM robbery suspects">

A $5,000 reward is being offered by the United Bodegas Association for information leading to the arrest of a group of robbers dubbed "The Midnight Mashers." This group has targeted 49 small businesses in the past three months, stealing tens of thousands of dollars by removing ATMs. The robberies aren't limited to nighttime; one bodega in Brooklyn was robbed during the day.

Fernando Mateo of the United Bodegas Association highlights the significant impact on businesses: "When the machine isn't there, people withdraw money to buy, so they lose business." The robberies affect not only the cash but also the convenience for customers.

According to David Tente, executive director for the ATM Industry Association, free-standing ATMs have become easy targets due to their increasing presence and the amount of cash they hold. The boldness of "The Midnight Mashers" is concerning, with Mateo stating, "We need to know if anyone knows who these guys are, where they're unloading these machines..."

The police are actively investigating, and community members are urged to come forward with any information.