MANHATTAN — Two bandits with expensive tastes who previously robbed an East Village high-end secondhand shop have stolen nearly $1,000 more at knifepoint from a chocolate shop, an art gallery and clothing boutiques in lower Manhattan, police said.
The duo, who are about 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, first barged into Goldwater Thriftique at 84 E. Seventh St., near First Avenue, about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 21 and stole $240 from the register, according to NYPD officials.
The man who held the weapon told the terrified 19-year-old behind the counter, "Don't mess with me or I'll hurt you," according to the shop's owner.
The suspects fled the scene, but two days later on Jan. 23 about 4:45 p.m., they stole $250 from Bond Street Chocolate at 63 E. Fourth St., police said.
Their spree continued up until Feb. 23, police said.
They stole $55 from the Rebecca Hossack art gallery at 262 Mott St., $275 from the Rebecca Taylor clothing boutique at 260 Mott St. and $400 from the Molton Brown clothing store at 128 Spring St., police said.
They also tried to hold up the Anya Ponorovskaya clothing store at 251 Elizabeth St. about 7:40 p.m. on Jan. 30, but fled empty-handed, police said.
Police released a sketch of one of the thieves who was sporting a hoodie and had some stubble.
No injuries were reported in any of the robberies.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).