Boston Police investigate string of cash register robberies across city neighborhoods
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL NEW | Oct 18, 2025, 20:22 IST
Boston Police are investigating a string of cash register robberies at four neighborhood stores in Hyde Park, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain over the past week. In each case, a suspect posing as a customer grabbed the register once it opened and fled on foot. No weapons were used. Authorities released surveillance images and are urging public assistance, while also responding to a separate $6,100 Lululemon shoplifting case in Back Bay.
Boston Police are investigating a series of cash register thefts that occurred at four different stores across the city within the past week, raising concerns about a possible pattern targeting small businesses.
Authorities said in each incident, the suspect entered the store as a customer, made a small purchase, and then grabbed the cash register as soon as it was opened. The suspect fled on foot with the cash inside. Police did not disclose the total amount stolen but confirmed no weapons were displayed during any of the robberies.
Investigators believe the same individual may be responsible for all four incidents. The suspect has been described as wearing a black puffy jacket with the hood up, black pants, and a black surgical mask in each case.
The robberies were reported at stores located on River Street and Fairmount Avenue in Hyde Park, Parker Street in Roxbury, and Heath Street in Jamaica Plain, according to the police.
Boston Police have released surveillance images of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives anonymously through the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS, by texting “TIP” to CRIME (27463), or by submitting information, photos, or video online through the department’s anonymous portal.
In a separate incident earlier this week, Boston Police said they are also searching for four individuals involved in a shoplifting theft at the Lululemon store on Newbury Street on October 13. Surveillance footage shows three people running out of the store with armfuls of clothing while a fourth person followed behind. The suspects were last seen leaving the area in a dark-colored sedan heading outbound on Newbury Street. The stolen merchandise is valued at approximately $6,100, police said.
While multiple thefts are reported in different neighborhoods, police officials are stepping up patrols around small retail corridors and urging store owners to remain alert, review security footage regularly, and report suspicious behavior immediately. Residents or business owners who believe they may have relevant information are encouraged to reach out through official police channels.
Authorities said in each incident, the suspect entered the store as a customer, made a small purchase, and then grabbed the cash register as soon as it was opened. The suspect fled on foot with the cash inside. Police did not disclose the total amount stolen but confirmed no weapons were displayed during any of the robberies.
Investigators believe the same individual may be responsible for all four incidents. The suspect has been described as wearing a black puffy jacket with the hood up, black pants, and a black surgical mask in each case.
The robberies were reported at stores located on River Street and Fairmount Avenue in Hyde Park, Parker Street in Roxbury, and Heath Street in Jamaica Plain, according to the police.
Boston Police have released surveillance images of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives anonymously through the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS, by texting “TIP” to CRIME (27463), or by submitting information, photos, or video online through the department’s anonymous portal.
In a separate incident earlier this week, Boston Police said they are also searching for four individuals involved in a shoplifting theft at the Lululemon store on Newbury Street on October 13. Surveillance footage shows three people running out of the store with armfuls of clothing while a fourth person followed behind. The suspects were last seen leaving the area in a dark-colored sedan heading outbound on Newbury Street. The stolen merchandise is valued at approximately $6,100, police said.
While multiple thefts are reported in different neighborhoods, police officials are stepping up patrols around small retail corridors and urging store owners to remain alert, review security footage regularly, and report suspicious behavior immediately. Residents or business owners who believe they may have relevant information are encouraged to reach out through official police channels.