Police Investigate Two North End Robberies

By Phil Orlandella

Two robberies occurred in the North End last week, one on Hanover Street and another on Salem Street.

President Bill Clinton once visited Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street.

While crossing the street on Monday morning to deposit cash receipts at Citizens Bank, an unknown male suspect reportedly grabbed one of the pastry shop’s employees by the arm and demanded “Give me the bag” meaning the bag that held the money.

The employee handed the bag over to the robber and ran back to the pastry shop as the bandit ran down Hanover Street.

He was described as a white male, 5 foot 10 to 6 feet tall about 170 pounds, wearing a hat, gray hooded sweater, green jacket and blue jeans and was between 40 to 50 years old, according to police.

On Wednesday, Vinoteca Di Monica Restaurant on Richmond Street, a robber reportedly broke into the eatery through a rear door and forced the cash register open. Apparently, an employee noticed the cash register broken and the money taken. (about $200)

The restaurant was closed with the few employees working in the downstairs office.

Usually, the community is not targeted for robberies of this kind, especially in broad daylight.

Monica’s owner Jorge Mendoza relates this crime to drug users. “The police do a good job in the North End but they are simply understaffed to deal with the opioid drug problem.”

Police have released a photo of the restaurant male culprit.

As of this writing, no suspects have been arrested and charged with any crime and the investigation is still ongoing.

Police are asking anyone that has any information to contact District A1 Boston Police.