Bodega workers have long called for panic buttons to connect them directly to police in an emergency – and now 500 stores are getting them.

Mayor Eric Adams announced that $1.6 million will go toward equipping the bodegas with “SilentShields.”

"It is going to be connected directly to the local precinct," said Mayor Edric Adams.

This announcement comes after years of pleading for increased safety measures from the United Bodegas of America.

A man who tried to slash a bodega worker with a knife late last month is just one of many bodega attacks News 12 has reported on.

"Panic buttons are going to save the lives of so many – not just the lives of bodega owners and workers, but the lives of so many that have run toward bodegas seeking safe shelter," said Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for United Bodegas of America.

Bodega owners say the protection plan gives them piece of mind. Fernando Medina, who owns a bodega in The Bronx, says he is relieved that he can feel safe in his store.

"Bodegas have been in trouble a lot of times, we have a lot of problems...With this panic button, we know the police will be there as soon as possible. It means a lot to us," said Medina

For safety reasons it was not made clear which bodegas will get the panic buttons.