Stylish outerwear just became a liability in parts of Brooklyn. The NYPD’s 70th Precinct is warning residents about a run of robberies where crews are homing in on designer jackets, bags and sneakers, especially on the street and in transit. Officers say the alert is meant to help people blend in a bit more and avoid looking like an easy mark while walking, commuting or running errands.
🚨Safety Alert🚨 — Safety alert: robberies targeting designer brand jackets, bags, & sneakers. Keep headphone volume low or use transparency mode; keep bags zipped and close to your body and store valuables in interior pockets; avoid walking alone late at night or in low-traffic areas and stay on well-lit populated streets; when using a locker use a high quality lock; on public transit hold bags in front of you and stay alert on train platforms and bus stops; never leave property unattended. pic.twitter.com/B7KnmpeeYi
— NYPD 70th Precinct (@NYPD70Pct) Feb 28, 2026
What The Alert Recommends
The safety post lays out a checklist of basic street-smarts tailored to people carrying pricey gear. It urges residents to keep headphone volume low or use transparency mode, keep bags zipped and close to the body, stash valuables in interior pockets, and avoid walking alone late at night or in low-traffic areas. On trains and buses, officers suggest holding bags in front of you and staying alert on platforms and at bus stops, and they recommend using a high-quality lock for any locker storage. The guidance was posted by the NYPD 70th Precinct.
Where This Is Happening
The 70th Precinct covers parts of central Brooklyn, including Ditmas Park, Midwood, Prospect Park South and sections of Flatbush, according to the NYPD 70th Precinct. The precinct page lists Deputy Inspector Joseph Wernersbach as the commanding officer and provides contact details and community-affairs information for locals. Police say this latest alert is aimed at anyone who lives, works or regularly passes through those blocks.
Citywide Context
The Brooklyn warning lands as New York continues to wrestle with a broader wave of high-end thefts. A recent report in People detailed what police described as an elaborate SoHo boutique heist involving more than $1 million in stolen designer merchandise. On the street level, local coverage has chronicled robberies where sneakers and jackets were taken by force, underscoring how quickly a fashion statement can turn into a target, as reported by Shore News Network.
How To Stay Safer
Police suggest sticking with the alert’s basics: keep valuables out of sight, keep headphone volume low or use transparency mode, hold bags in front of you on public transit, and steer clear of isolated or poorly traveled streets late at night. Use a sturdy lock if you rely on lockers and never leave your stuff unattended. For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911. If you have information or video that could help an investigation, you can share tips anonymously with NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or online. Anonymous tips can aid cases and may qualify for rewards, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers.
The 70th Precinct says the advisory is meant as a nudge to secure belongings and stay alert, not a reason to panic. Officers are asking anyone with relevant footage or details to pass it along to investigators, and say they will use the precinct’s social channels for updates if crime patterns shift. Residents can also reach out to community affairs for non-emergency questions or safety guidance.
