Thieves target employess of two North End businesses

NORTH END — An iconic North End staple is out nearly $10,000 after someone robbed one of their workers in broad daylight.

A Mike's Pastry employee said nothing like this has ever happened in the 50 years they've been in business on Hanover street.

Mike’s Pastry is cash-only, like many restaurants and bakeries in the North End. Early Monday morning this week, a woman working at the shop crossed the street to deposit money at Citizens Bank. Before she made it to the bank’s door, someone approached her. Surveillance video shows someone run up, grab her, rip something out of her hands and take-off running.

"I saw a guy that was taking something from her hands and start running,” said Jose Canals.

Canals was making deliveries on Hanover Street and saw the robbery happen.

"Nobody came out from the store, so I start running behind him, this guy,” he said.

Canals chased him down a few blocks, but the man got away with all of the cash – nearly $10,000.

Boston police detectives were back at Mike’s Wednesday morning, continuing to investigate.

"Pretty terrifying. I feel bad for our worker,” said Lorenzo Papa.

Papa's grandfather opened Mike’s Pastry, famous for its cannolis, more than half a century ago, and his family still owns it today.

“Fifty years we've been doing this and never had any problems…(or) had to deal with any of this, so it was kind of a surprise,” he said.

The North End neighborhood is about as tight-knit as it gets, and it's well known that Mike's sits right in the heart of it, bringing in tourists from all over the world.

People who live in the area say robberies like this don't happen often, especially on a weekday morning on Hanover Street, which has a large amount of foot traffic.

"Everyone here is family. You could know everybody at every corner,” said Netania Martelli, resident of the neighborhood.

As for Mike's and its employees, Lorenzo said they're shaken up but okay.

"The money isn’t really out biggest concern. It’s obviously our workers and making sure they're safe doing their job,” said Papa.

Detectives continue to go through surveillance video from neighboring businesses and Wednesday night they will continue questioning people up and down the street. Anyone with information should contact Boston Police.

Vinotec di Monica was also robbed this week. Surveillance video shows the suspect walk down North Street and brake into the cash drawer.

The suspect in that robbery got away with about $250.

Cox Media Group