MIDTOWN — Police are searching for a jewelry thief who has been snatching chains from the necks of women.
The man has struck at least five times in Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Gramercy, grabbing the baubles before fleeing on foot.
In one case, his victim was an 81-year-old woman.
The first theft occurred on June 13 when he targeted a woman, 81, on West 16th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, at 2 p.m.
In the latest incident, on July 4, a woman, 63, had her necklace snatched on West 23rd Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, at 1:20 p.m.
The suspect is described as a man in his 20s, between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-10 with a thin build and bald head. He was seen wearing a blue baseball cap and bright blue sneakers, police said.
No injuries have been reported in the incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577
