Local bodega owners and community advocates gathered Friday to address the recent spike in armed bodega robberies.

The United Bodegas of America and the International Law Enforcement Officers Association held separate press conferences Friday, both addressing crime.

April showed a major surge in bodega robberies. Statistics show that 16 robberies were reported over a 14-day period.

Leandro Paulino, president of the Internatinal Law Enforcement Association, is turning to the community to help.

"Let's not wait for something to happen. Let's not wait for somebody to get killed. If you see something that's about to happen, do something, say something, or call 911," says Paulino.

With government officials taking steps to protect small businesses, advocates are pushing for ramped up security measures and community support.