An 84-year-old woman had her purse ripped from her hands Sunday evening while walking near 72 Street and 37 Avenue in Queens, police say. The thief grabbed the bag, which held her wallet and cellphone, then took off running west on 37 Avenue, according to witnesses and the NYPD.
The woman was not reported seriously injured, but detectives are now asking for the public’s help to identify the person seen in surveillance photos tied to the case.
Images and a short briefing were shared by NYPD Crime Stoppers, which notes that the purse held the victim’s phone and wallet and that the suspect bolted westbound on 37 Avenue. Anyone with information or video can submit an anonymous tip through the Crime Stoppers portal, by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or the Spanish line 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), or by messaging @NYPDTips on X.
Neighbors Say It Feels Familiar, Cops See a Larger Pattern
Police have been pushing out a string of similar wanted alerts this spring as detectives work to connect distraction-style thefts that often zero in on older New Yorkers. A recent CBS New York report detailed a "jewelry swap" pattern in Brooklyn and Queens that investigators say has racked up more than $900,000 in reported losses.
Local coverage highlighting multiple Crime Stoppers bulletins this season shows detectives repeatedly turning to the public for video and leads as they try to piece together citywide grand larceny trends.
What Police Want Witnesses to Do Next
Officers are asking anyone who was near 72 Street and 37 Avenue around the time of the theft to check doorbell cameras, building systems and phone footage for anything that might show the suspect. They also stress that residents should not try to confront or track down the person on their own.
If you have video or a tip, police say you should send it through the Crime Stoppers portal or call the hotline instead of posting identifying details on social media. The Crime Stoppers program keeps tips anonymous and may offer a reward if information leads to an arrest.
Legal Note
The NYPD labeled the bulletin "wanted for a grand larceny," which carries felony implications under state law. In New York, theft of property worth more than $1,000 can be charged as grand larceny in the fourth degree, with higher property values triggering more serious degrees and penalties, according to FindLaw summaries of New York Penal Law.
