Burglars Steal $5K From UWS Restaurants, Police Say

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A burglary crew knocked over three Upper West Side restaurants in one night, stealing more than $5,000 and several electronic devices.

The crime spree took place on the night of Monday, Dec. 23, police said. Two men are wanted for breaking into Columbus Avenue eateries Bistro Cassis, Pomodoro Rosso and then West 70th Street spot Shalel Lounge.

Bistro Cassis was the first restaurant to be robbed at 11 a.m., police said. The men entered the restaurant through a back door and stole $3,000 in cash and four cable modems, an NYPD spokesman said. About 15 minutes later, the thieves went a few doors down to Pomodoro Rosso and stole $1,800 and two cable modems. Just before midnight, the robbers broke the lock of an emergency exit at Shalel Lounge and swiped $417, police said.

Cops released security footage from Pomodoro Rosso that shows the crooks rifling around in the restaurant's kitchen. Both of the men are covering their faces with ski masks and wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477).