NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The NYPD is seeking two suspects wanted in connection to a 20-incident burglary spree across three boroughs in which the robbers break into a pharmacy and target prescription medications.
The first robbery occurred in July, but the duo didn’t follow-up this initial crime until Oct. 3. At that point, incidents became more consistent, with the most recent two robberies taking place Saturday, Dec. 2.
Police released video Thursday from the 19th robbery, in which the burglars break into a pharmacy in West Brighton, Staten Island, at around 3 a.m. on Dec. 2.
In this break-in, the robbers unsuccessfully attempt to steal a safe, which differs from the duo's general target of prescription medications.
Across Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, the pattern involves two suspects breaking the glass of a front door, back door or window of a pharmacy, sometimes bypassing roll-down gates or locked doors, in order to gain entry, police said.
The robberies consistently occur in the early morning, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Officials said that the suspects always wear dark clothes and use a tool to break into the buildings. While the tool is often unknown, police confirmed that the suspects used a hammer in one incident and a crowbar in multiple others.
Once they gain access to the pharmacy, the robbers gather as many prescription drugs as possible before fleeing the scene, police said.
This excludes the 18th incident on Nov. 26 in Oakland Garden, Queens, where in addition to medications the duo left with $300 and a credit card machine.
The robbery team wasn’t consistently seen escaping the crime sites, but police noted multiple incidents where different cars were involved. They were seen leaving scenes in a black SUV, unknown white vehicle, white sedan and gray SUV.
Most incidents involved two suspects, but in at least one robbery police noted a third individual aiding the duo.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.