A string of burglaries has left Astoria business owners on edge.

Now, police believe a 'ring of thieves' may be responsible for the break-ins.

NY1’s Clodagh McGowan has the details in this Crime Stoppers Report.

It's just before midnight on a cool May night.

Watch as this suspect climbs a fire escape, to gain access to a rear window, breaking into the Green Apple Delight frozen yogurt shop in Astoria.

"At this point he comes down, he puts his hood on and reenters the place," said NYPD Detective Daniel Autera, of the surveillance video.

The thief got away with $500 dollars but it's not the first time he has robbed this business. Police say he broke in two months earlier, with an accomplice and stole $850. The business owner says he recognizes the suspect from the video and believes he scoped out the store before committing the crime.

"He used the restroom. So he know where we put the safe box,” said Abdul Wahab, owner of Green Apple Delight. “I see the cameras, he comes right away, he takes out safe box."

Detective Autera is heading the investigation for the 114th Precinct detective squad. He says there have been six similar reported burglaries in the area since February. What do they have in common? All of the break-ins happen once the businesses are closed for the day, between the hours of midnight and 8am.

"The perpetrators seem to be the same in several of the incidents, there are a few that might not be the same person. But they could be working together," said Detective Autera.

And while the crimes are happening in the shadow of night, Detective Autera says it's possible the thieves canvas the area and visit their marks before making a hit.

"They definitely seem to know the layout of the premise, with the rear entry, once inside they move around the locations," said Detective Autera.

The majority of the crimes happened along Broadway. The suspect or suspects robbed five businesses on the busy commercial strip and attempted to break into a sixth but were unsuccessful.

"It's a very hard working neighborhood, these people work very hard to make money. They're very good to the community, their doors are always open,” said Detective Autera.

Anyone with information for police is asked to call crime stoppers at 1-800-577-8477. All calls are anonymous and there is a cash reward, for information leading to an arrest and indictment.