Two afternoon apartment burglaries at a Tomlinson Avenue walk‑up have Morris Park tenants feeling rattled and watching their hallways a lot more closely. Long‑time residents say they came home Friday to find doors propped or open and personal items missing, and at least one neighbor moved fast to change her locks. The break‑ins have people in the building tightening security, swapping phone numbers and trading video clips while police work the case.
Police told News 12 the incidents happened around 1 p.m. Friday inside units at 1600 Tomlinson Ave. Two neighbors returned to find their doors open. One tenant reported that gold jewelry, watches and two phones were stolen and that her bedroom had been ransacked. Investigators told the outlet there have been no arrests and that the investigation remains active.
Video appears to show suspect testing doors
A first‑floor tenant shared Ring camera footage that appears to show a man in a face mask, yellow gloves and carrying a toolkit walking the hallway and pressing his ear to a door before moving on, according to News 12. "It's definitely uncomfortable," said Jess, a tenant who told reporters she has lived in the building for seven years. Neighbors say the video pushed them to exchange contact information and check their locks more often.
What police can do and what residents should ask for
According to the NYPD, crime prevention officers can conduct security surveys, recommend improvements to locks and lighting, and escort residents back to their apartments if they are worried about their safety. Some tenants say guidance like that is why they quickly swapped out locks and tightened deadbolts after the break‑ins. The department also urges anyone with video or other evidence to preserve it and share it directly with detectives instead of posting it publicly.
49th Precinct trends add to neighbor unease
Tenants say the break‑ins feel especially unnerving because the building sits in the NYPD's 49th Precinct, which covers Allerton, Morris Park and Van Nest. A borough outlet reported last year that the 49th Precinct had seen increases in some major‑crime categories over a recent rolling period, a trend that only adds to the anxiety for residents in the area.
How to help
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact detectives at their local precinct or submit tips to Crime Stoppers. The NYPD lists a tip line at 800‑577‑TIPS, a Spanish line at 888‑57‑PISTA and texting options for anonymous reports, per the NYPD. Residents who feel they are being targeted should also call 311 so the incident is logged and detectives can follow up. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
