Shoplifting and other disruptive behaviors have been on the rise in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, specifically around the twin migrant shelters on Hall and Ryerson Streets. The influx of roughly 4,000 people in these shelters has led to increased incidents of theft and altercations, causing concern among local business owners and workers.
One such example is the Key Food supermarket on Myrtle Avenue, which has seen a spike in shoplifting since the shelters opened. To combat this issue, the store has implemented new security measures, including hiring security personnel and requiring shoppers to surrender their backpacks upon entry. According to front-of-store manager Henry Fryas, thefts have included items such as beer, deli meats, toothpaste, and shampoo.
The impact of the shelters on local businesses has been significant. Melissa Wood, who works at Storrow Management self-storage near the Hall Street shelter, reported a 20% drop in occupancy since the shelters opened. Customers have expressed feeling intimidated by the presence of migrants from the shelters, leading some to avoid patronizing the businesses altogether.
Shoplifting has also become a common occurrence at local delis, such as the one where Alex Lexan works. Lexan shared his experience of catching migrants stealing items like beer, soda, and candy on a daily basis. Despite efforts to deter theft, including reviewing security footage, Lexan expressed frustration at the lack of support from law enforcement.
The tense situation in the neighborhood has escalated to the point where confrontations have occurred between shop owners/workers and migrants. Wood recounted an incident where a staff member was attacked after asking migrants to move their food from the loading dock. Lexan mentioned that some thieves become aggressive when caught, leading to verbal altercations.
The overall sentiment among those interviewed by The Post is one of frustration and concern for the safety and security of their businesses. The presence of the shelters has had a negative impact on the community, leading to loss of revenue and increased tensions between residents and migrants. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to address these security concerns and restore peace to the neighborhood.
