Lower Manhattan Business Owners On High Alert After String Of Armed Robberies

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Business owners are on high alert as police search for a pair of armed robbers wanted in connection with a crime spree across lower Manhattan.

The suspects have struck at least seven stores since late January. Police said the robbers target high-end businesses including Bond Street Chocolate, a cosmetic shop on Spring Street, an art gallery and clothing store on Mott Street.

Surveillance cameras captured the two hooded suspects during the most recent incident at Wine Therapy near Elizabeth and Spring streets around 10 p.m. Friday night.

In that incident, the suspects took off with $1,000.
"It's a big loss for us," Wine Therapy owner Jean-Baptiste Humbert told CBS2's Ilana Gold. "We work really hard to make this living and it's a substantial loss for us."

The incidents have prompted area businesses to put up wanted posters in their windows.

Adrienne Parisi, owner of Parisi Bakery on Mott Street, said she is "very concerned" and worried her shop could be the next target.

"My life is worth more than the cash in the register, that's for sure," Parisi said, adding that if the suspects came into the store demanding money she would "give it to them, I wouldn't fight them."

Until they find these suspects, police are warning all businesses and customers in the area to be extra aware.

The suspects have gotten away with more than $2,000, police said. The wine store took the biggest hit.