In response to the escalating violence plaguing bodegas and delis across New York City, bodega owners have taken a proactive step by introducing panic buttons. The United Bodegas of America (UBA), led by spokesperson Fernando Mateo, announced a pilot program in collaboration with digital security company SaferWatch. The initiative aims to tap into state funds designated for small business security.
Mateo emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need help today, not tomorrow.” The panic buttons, capable of notifying multiple individuals in real-time, are expected to save lives and act as a deterrent to criminals. While the UBA did not disclose the number of participating bodegas in the initial program, SaferWatch CEO Geno Roefaro highlighted the effectiveness of the panic button system, already in use in numerous government and public buildings nationwide.
The announcement by UBA comes amidst a disturbing surge in violent incidents at city bodegas and delis. One such incident involved Oralia Perez, a Bronx bodega worker who was viciously attacked with a sledgehammer by an irate couple demanding a refund on a $30 hookah. Perez, currently recovering at St. Barnabas Hospital, received a surprise visit from Mayor Eric Adams. Tragically, just hours after Perez’s assault, a customer seeking refuge from an assailant inside a Queens convenience store was fatally stabbed.
These incidents follow a string of violent crimes, including a fatal stabbing at a Queens Boulevard bodega during a scuffle over beer and the shooting death of a bystander during an armed heist at a Bronx bodega in April. In response, Governor Kathy Hochul recently enacted new protections aimed at assisting frontline retail workers and small-business owners in combating theft, including a $5 million tax credit for enhanced security measures.
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Readers may find it useful to know that the introduction of panic buttons in bodegas and delis is just one of the measures being taken to address the issue of violence. Another important initiative is the creation of the Bodega Safety Task Force, which was formed in collaboration with the New York City Police Department and the Bodega Association of the United States.
The task force aims to improve safety in bodegas and delis by providing training to owners and employees on conflict resolution, de-escal