QUEENS — Thieves are targeting women while they are shopping at the Rego Center Mall, police officials said.
In the past four weeks there have been four incidents in which thieves stole valuables, including cash and cellphones, from women who left their bags unattended in shopping carts as they walked around the mall, police officials said at a 112th Precinct Community Council meeting Wednesday night.
“They might reach into your bag," said crime prevention officer Alex Avilla. "If they see a wallet, they are going to take your wallet, if they see a cellphone, they might take your cellphone.”
► Queens Center Mall Thief Targets Shoppers With Baby Strollers, Police Say
Thieves stole from women shopping at various stores, including Costco and Marshalls. All four incidents took place in the late afternoon between Sept. 19 and Oct. 16, officials said.
“Let’s not give these criminals anything,” Avilla said. “Keep your personal property literally on you.”
Never leave your property unattended. Please follow these crime prevention tips. #BeAware pic.twitter.com/uZPRqchkkG
— NYPD 112th Precinct (@NYPD112Pct) October 19, 2016
Earlier this week, the precinct tweeted out a flier about the "recent uptick in theft from unattended property." The flier included several tips for residents such as: "never hang your pocketbook on a stroller" and "do not leave your pocketbook in the shopping cart."
