A surge in crime at bodegas has workers concerned about their safety. So far this year, there have been at least 195 robberies at bodegas, according to the NYPD.

That’s up 160% compared to the same time last year.

“Most people that work at bodegas, they come from really poor countries," bodega worker Amir Mozeb said. "They come here just to make ends meet. They have families and are just trying to do their best."

Mozeb works behind the counter at the Healthy Choice Foods Market in the East Village.

It’s what he has done for the last few years. He says like many other bodega workers, it’s a needed job in trying to build a better life.

“You have... people who are super drunk or just people who just are looking for problems," Mozeb said. "There’s weeks where you have [issues] three times a week. Two times a week." 

At a recent news conference, the Yemini American Merchants Association called on leaders to support the safety and security of bodega workers.

“We have members in our membership that are asking themselves in the morning, 'Am I going to come home tonight?' That should not be a question that any bodega worker or owner should be asking themselves,” Dr. Debbie Almontaser said at the news conference. 

Despite the high crime, there are some bodega workers who feel more comfortable working behind the counter.

“I feel like New York has always had its height of crime and then lows of crime,” said Samir Ali.

Part of that reason is because Lilly’s Shakes and Crepes, the store he works at, is also next to a police station.

“I feel like if anything were to happen, they got my back,” Ali said.

That's something Mozeb depends on, knowing with the job's inherent danger, he has to find a way to keep his store secure and himself safe.

“Let’s say you get into trouble, something happens to you, the next day you’re replaced," Mozeb said.