Bodegas are a crucial part of NYC’s culture, and earlier this month Mayor Eric Adams introduced a new initiative titled, “SilentShield,” to protect bodega owners and their customers throughout the five boroughs.
A total of $1.6 million in funding will be put towards the United Bodega Association (UBA) for security and technology improvements, including the installment of panic buttons in over 500 bodegas.
Soon, bodega staff will be able to alert the NYPD at the press of a button in cases of emergencies. The 500 bodegas in which these “SilentShields” will be installed include those with the heaviest crime.
Not only will the panic buttons alert the police, but they will be connected to cameras within the bodega that let officers monitor the situation in real-time and respond faster.
Overall, this investment intends to work towards a safer city that supports its businesses, bodegas, staff and customers.
“Bodegas are part of the heart and soul of New York City. They are on every corner; they are there for us at all hours,” Mayor Adams remarked. “This program will bring peace of mind to our bodega owners, while protecting the working-class New Yorkers who work and frequent bodegas. Our bodegas are essential to New York City, and, with this investment, we’re telling these small businesses: Your city has your back.”
Installation won’t be for a few months, until UBA lands on a bid for SilentShield technology.
“For too long, bodega workers have suffered in silence, while help was out of reach. But today, that silence ends. Thanks to Mayor Adams, SilentShields will give our workers a lifeline directly to the NYPD. This is about saving lives, restoring peace of mind, and making it clear: New York will no longer abandon its essential bodega workers.”
These security improvements are all part of Mayor Eric Adams’ “Best Budget Ever,” supporting other quality-of-life issues impacting New Yorkers such as creating more homes and universal after-school programming.
You can learn more about SilentShields or the Best Budget Ever on the Mayor’s Office website.