Whitestone, Queens – A night‑time break‑in at Cascon Cheesecake, a neighborhood bakery that has served Queens since 1975, resulted in the theft of over $40,000. The masked intruder entered through a back door, spent roughly two hours searching the premises, and walked away with cash from the register, safe and multiple drawers.

Impact on employees and holiday plans

Owner Andy Gioe explained that the stolen money had been earmarked for four weeks of payroll, allowing his ten‑person staff to begin holiday shopping without financial strain. “We took four weeks of their payroll. Get it ready so we have it, so we don’t have to worry about them, so they could celebrate their holiday and have their money,” Gioe said, emphasizing how the loss directly affects his hardworking employees.

Gioe described the experience as both “frustrating and heartbreaking,” adding that the theft left him angry and sad because the funds were intended to support his people during the season.

Investigation underway

Police are reviewing footage from the bakery’s 21 security cameras in an effort to identify the suspect. The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

One regular customer, Anthony Lombardo, expressed how such crimes can devastate small businesses. “It’s devastating, because at first you don’t know what’s gone. It isn’t like, ‘I’ve been robbed and I know everything that’s missing,’” he said.

Community response

Cascon Cheesecake has long been a fixture in Whitestone, known for its specialty cakes and baked goods for celebrations of all sizes. The bakery’s owners and staff rely on the support of local residents, and many have voiced solidarity with Gioe and his team.

Local business groups are monitoring the situation, noting that crimes against small enterprises can have ripple effects throughout the neighborhood economy. Protecting small businesses is essential for preserving jobs and maintaining the character of community hubs like Cascon Cheesecake.

What’s next?

The bakery plans to continue operations while working with law enforcement to recover the stolen funds. Gioe hopes the incident will serve as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures for small businesses, especially during the busy holiday period.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. As the investigation proceeds, the Whitestone community remains hopeful that the perpetrator will be brought to justice and that Cascon Cheesecake can resume its role as a beloved local gathering place.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.