RPD: Hyundais and Kias have been used in several crashes and grabs near Dewey Ave

ROCHESTER, NY – Four businesses suffered damage in burglaries and burglaries Tuesday before 5 a.m. around the Dewey Street area. Rochester Police say Kia and Hyundai vehicles were used in all of the robberies and they have evidence that at least one of the vehicles was stolen.

The following are the damaged businesses:

• Joe’s Quick Mart – 933 West Ridge Road
• Puff Puff Bass Smoke Shop – 337 Driving Park Ave
• Roc 7 Convenience Store – 1325 Dewey Ave
• My Way Station – 735 Emerson Street

RPD says the 2012 Hyundai was used to break into Joe’s Quick Mart around 3:30 a.m. on the suspects, who fled in a Kia. Officers found a Hyundai with the ignition damaged, indicating it was stolen.

An hour later, RPC officers responded to an alarm in the ROC 7 convenience store. They said a Hyundai was used to enter the building while others parked next to them in a Kia.

Similarly, Kia and Hyundai used to drive to the Puff Puff Pass Smoke Shop ten minutes later, according to RPD. Then, just before 4:50 a.m., Hyundai and Kia were used to storm the My Way station.

Police are also investigating after they said a Hyundai was intentionally smashed into a Dunkin’ Donuts on Lake Avenue Monday at about 10:30 p.m. Nothing was stolen and the car was abandoned.

RPD is asking anyone with information about these burglaries to call 911.

Auto thefts, especially of Kia and Hyundai models, have increased this year in the Rochester area. The community has expressed concerns about people stealing Kias and Hyundais due to how-to videos circulating on social media.