A daring masked robbery crew made attempts to steal handbags from three women on the Upper East Side in a series of incidents last month, managing to successfully snatch one bag, according to police reports.
The group, consisting of five individuals who appear to be teenagers or young men, targeted their first victim, a 32-year-old woman, on East 75th Street near Second Avenue around 8:20 p.m. on Jan. 19. They forcefully grabbed her handbag, containing cash and credit cards, before fleeing the scene. The victim was left unharmed but shaken by the incident.
Shortly after the first robbery, the suspects then tried to steal a 38-year-old woman’s purse at Third Avenue and East 78th Street. However, the victim managed to hold onto her bag, and the perpetrators left empty-handed. The woman sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention.
Taking a two-day break, the criminals struck again on Jan. 21, this time targeting a 71-year-old woman at Second Avenue and East 70th Street around 5:40 p.m. Despite their attempts to grab her bag, the woman refused to let go, and the suspects fled without any stolen items. The elderly victim also suffered minor injuries but did not require medical treatment.
Surveillance footage captured the suspects passing through an emergency gate inside a subway station, with their hoods up and black masks covering part of their faces. As of Tuesday, no arrests had been made in connection with the incidents.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or the Spanish hotline at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website or via @NYPDTips on social media platforms.
The incidents serve as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in busy urban areas where such crimes can occur.
