NEW YORK CITY, NY – The New York City Police Department is currently investigating a series of cellphone thefts, seeking public assistance to identify the perpetrator. These incidents, occurring between December 2023 and January, involve victims at bus stops across various locations in the city.
In the first reported case on Thursday, December 21, 2023, a 49-year-old woman fell victim to a theft near 2543 Webster Avenue. While boarding the BX18 bus at around 4:00 PM, her cellphone was forcibly taken by two unknown individuals who then fled the scene.
Another theft occurred on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at approximately 4:28 PM. This time, a 13-year-old boy was targeted on the BX18 bus near Jerome Avenue and East 170 Street. An assailant discreetly removed the boy’s cellphones from his pocket and quickly left the bus.
The most recent incident occurred on Friday, January 12, at about 4:45 PM. A 19-year-old woman, in the vicinity of 215 East Fordham Road, was boarding the BX12 bus when an unknown person snatched her cellphones from her pocket.
The suspect in these series of thefts is described as a male with a medium complexion, medium build, and light-colored hair. He was last observed wearing a black jacket, black pants, and black sneakers. Images of the suspect are available through the NYPD’s DCPI.
The New York City Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or the Spanish hotline at 1-888-57-PISTA. Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers website or via Twitter @NYPDTips.