NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced that $1.6 million in funding would be used to equip about 500 bodegas across the five boroughs with "SilentShields" buttons that bodega staff can press to immediately call the NYPD in case of emergency.
The buttons will be distributed through an emergency grant to the United Bodega Association and will be installed inside bodegas with the highest levels of crime in an attempt to improve staff and customer safety.
According to Adams, SilentShields will be directly connected to cameras in the bodega and to the NYPD, allowing officers to see crimes unfold in real time and provide a faster response time.
"Bodegas are part of the heart and soul of New York City. They are on every corner; they are there for us at all hours. As we continue rolling out our ‘Best Budget Ever,' I’m proud to announce $1.6 million in funding to equip an estimated 500 bodegas across the five boroughs with ‘SilentShields’ that will immediately connect bodega staff with the NYPD in cases of emergency," Adams said.
New York City bodega staff pushed to have "panic buttons" installed following a triple stabbing at an Inwood bodega last month that left one person dead and two others injured. Additionally, NYPD released video that captured a crew of men dressed in NYPD gear during a violent armed robbery at a Brooklyn bodega last week.
"This program will bring peace of mind to our bodega owners, while protecting the working-class New Yorkers who work and frequent bodegas. Our bodegas are essential to New York City, and, with this investment, we’re telling these small businesses: Your city has your back," he added.