A 79-year-old woman was walking through Homecrest last Saturday when a cyclist came up behind her, ripped a necklace from her neck and vanished. The NYPD is now asking Brooklyn residents to help put a name to the rider. No injuries were reported.
According to Brooklyn Eagle, the theft happened around 11:10 a.m. on July 25 as the woman walked near East 14th Street. Police said the unidentified cyclist approached from behind, snatched the necklace and fled to parts unknown, and the case is being investigated as grand larceny.
The NYPD Crime Stoppers program is asking anyone who recognizes the cyclist or has information about the theft to come forward. Tips can be submitted through NYPD Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, or in Spanish at 1-888-57-PISTA; the department says submissions are confidential.
Another Two-Wheeled Theft Investigation
The Homecrest case arrives as police investigate other fast-moving jewelry thefts around New York City. News 12 reported this month that investigators had linked two moped riders to at least 29 robberies and attempted robberies since June 15, including incidents in Brooklyn.
That separate investigation involved two people on a moped, while the Homecrest report describes one unidentified person riding a bicycle. In another recent case, Hoodline reported that two men on a moped allegedly snatched a necklace from a 15-year-old girl in Whitestone.
How To Reach Investigators
Residents who saw a cyclist matching the wanted person, or who have surveillance, doorbell or cellphone video from the area, may be able to help detectives identify the suspect. Police are urging tipsters not to confront anyone they believe may be involved, but to pass information directly to Crime Stoppers.
