A rash of armed robberies in Queens has thieves going after high-end winter gear, with teens and young adults getting hit the hardest, according to police and neighborhood leaders.
As reported by Gothamist, the NYPD has zeroed in on Moose Knuckles and other luxury brands after tracing a series of clothing thefts across Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. Investigators say a 19-year-old suspect was arrested earlier this month and is accused in seven clothing robberies, according to that reporting.
At a recent 110th Precinct community meeting, officers urged residents to stay alert and keep the pricey labels low-key.
"Don't have your head buried in your phone," NYPD officer John Williams told neighbors, warning that distracted walking makes it easier for crews to move in. Another officer added, "Just be aware of your surroundings, ok?"
Local resident Christopher Herrmann told Gothamist that the sticker shock on these coats is part of the problem. "The fact that people are wearing these thousand-dollar-plus coats, that's going to make them a target now," he said.
How The Thefts Are Going Down
Police say groups have been approaching victims in public spaces, surrounding them and pulling knives to force people to hand over jackets, bags and sneakers. Coverage of the December incidents inside the 110th Precinct shows the same pattern popping up again and again, with group robberies and released surveillance images, as reported by Queens Voice.
The targets have often been teens and young adults headed to or from school or commuting, according to police briefings at the precinct meetings.
Precinct Response And Safety Tips
The NYPD's 110th Precinct has ramped up community outreach in response, holding meetings and sharing prevention tips with parents, students and commuters. The precinct is pushing residents to make use of its community affairs and crime-prevention contacts and is steering tipsters to the Crime Stoppers hotline. Contact details are listed on the 110th Precinct page on the NYPD site.
What Parents And Commuters Should Know
Officers are advising people to keep expensive coats, sneakers and bags as low profile as possible, to travel in groups when they can, and to stash phones and headphones so it is easier to spot anyone closing in.
Schools and community organizations have been asked to remind students to avoid isolated platforms and corners, especially during early morning and late evening commutes, and to report suspicious activity right away.
Legal Stakes For Coat Robbers
Under New York law, robbery is a felony. Any forcible stealing can be charged as robbery, and the stakes climb quickly if a weapon is shown or someone is hurt. As outlined by New York Penal Law, aggravating factors such as weapons or serious injury can bump the charge to a higher degree and bring tougher penalties.
Detectives are still working the pattern and the NYPD is asking anyone with video or tips to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Neighbors say they are hoping extra patrols and more reporting will cool things down before the spring shopping season puts more big-ticket outerwear back on city streets.
