“Teens and young adults need people who listen to them, guide them, and help them see opportunities for their future. Schools, families, local businesses, and youth organizations can work together to make sure young people know about these resources.”
What would you do if someone got robbed at knifepoint over a simple bag of Takis? Imagine going to work every day, just trying to earn a living, but having to worry about whether you will make it through your shift safely. A recent incident occurred at a bodega located at 3822 Third Avenue, where a worker was allegedly robbed at knifepoint by four teens over a can of Takis. This incident shows how quickly an ordinary day at a local store can turn into a frightening situation. Store employees should not have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs, and customers should feel comfortable visiting the neighborhood stores they depend on. When robberies and thefts happen, they can create fear, stress and pain throughout a community. But the real question is: How can we make our local bodegas safer for workers and customers before another incident?
Local stores are more than just places to buy groceries, clothes, and everyday necessities. They are an important part of the South Bronx community, and when theft happens, it can affect the people who work there and the people who shop there. Retail theft has been a concern in the Bronx for several years. According to a New York City report, there were 9,012 retail theft complaints in the Bronx in 2022, compared with 5,640 in 2021. The reports show that this was a 60% increase in one year and an 84% increase since 2018. These numbers help show why store owners and workers may be concerned about theft.
However, it is also important to remember that not every young person is involved in stealing or crime. Many teenagers in the South Bronx are focused on school, jobs, sports, family and other positive activities. The problem is figuring out how the community can prevent theft while also giving young people more positive choices.
I interviewed Abdul, an employee at my local deli in the South Bronx, about this experience with retail theft and neighborhood safety. Abdul explained that he has caught people stealing from the store before and that theft can be frustrating because it makes it harder for small businesses to make money. He has worked at the deli for several years and has noticed many changes in the neighborhood, including more people visiting local businesses and more concerns about theft and safety. He said he feels most concerned during busy hours when the store is crowded because it is harder to watch everything.
Abdul believes that businesses, residents, and city officials should work together to address theft by improving lighting, using security cameras, and looking out for one another while still treating customers with respect. He also wants people to understand that theft affects more than just the owner because it can impact employees, prices and a business ability to stay open. When asked why people steal, he explained that some people may be struggling financially, while others may steal because they think they can get away with it or because of peer pressure. Finally, Abdul emphasized that small business owners are people too, and he believes the community should focus on solutions that protect local businesses while also helping residents and keeping the neighborhood welcoming.
I think people sometimes forget that small business owners are people too. We want our stores to be safe, but we also want them to be a part of the community. I think the focus should be on finding solutions that protect businesses while also helping people in the neighborhood.
Retail theft can also hurt local businesses because stores may have to spend more money protecting their products or changing the way they operate. At the same time, recent information shows that retail theft is not always increasing. The NYPD reported that retail theft in New York city has decreased by 15.3% during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. This shows why it is important to look at both older and newer statistics instead of only focusing on one number. Overall, retail theft is an issue that affects more than just the items being stolen. It can affect workers, business owners, customers, and the way people feel about their neighborhood. By listening to store owners and looking at the facts, the community can better understand the problem and work solutions that help keep businesses safe without treating all young people like they are criminals.
Instead of only focusing on what happens after teens get in trouble, what if we focus more on helping them before they make that choice? One way to address concerns about retail theft in the south Bronx is by giving teens and young adults more positive opportunities. Programs like Bronx Connect, the YMCA, and Bronxworks can help young people stay focused on school,work and their future. Bronxworks says its youth programs serve more than 3,000 young Bronx residents under the age of 24 a year. These programs include after school activities, job programs, college preparations, and other support. Bronx Works youth program Bronx connect is another program that works with young adults by providing mentoring, education, employment opportunities, internships, and leadership programs. According to Bronx Connect, its programs are designed to connect young people with "positive local community resources" and help them with education and employment. These types of programs can give teens something productive to do instead of being outside with nothing to do or getting involved in situations that could lead to trouble.
Having a job can also help young adults learn responsibility, build confidence, and prepare for their future. Bronx Works reported that its youth helped place more than 1,500 young people ages 14-24 into internships or summer jobs in 2025. The YMCA can also give young people a safe place to participate in activities, build relationships, and develop useful skills. These programs do not mean that every teen who participates will stay out of trouble, but they can give young people more choices and support.
Teens and young adults need people who listen to them, guide them, and help them see opportunities for their future. Schools, families, local businesses, and youth organizations can work together to make sure young people know about these resources. Instead of only punishing teens after something happens, the community can focus on jobs, mentoring, sports, education, and other activities. Helping young people succeed can benefit them while also helping local businesses and making the South Bronx a stronger community.