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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Gunpoint Robbers Steal Kanye West 'Yeezy' Sneakers from Re-Sellers: Police

BROOKLYN — A pair of thieves stole four pairs of Kanye West-designed "Yeezy" sneakers at gunpoint from teens and young men who thought they were walking into a sale they'd arranged over Facebook, police said.

In the six robberies stretching back to late April, one or two of the suspects would offer to buy sneakers and Apple products, but then rob the sellers at gunpoint in broad daylight various locations, including a Burger King, subway station and a street corner, police said.

In one of the recent robberies on June 23, one of the suspects met a 16-year-old in a Burger King at 2848 Church Ave. about noon on June 23 before flashing a gun and taking the boy's Yeezy sneakers, an iPhone and backpack, police said.

On July 10, one of the suspects met an 18-year-old man at the same Burger King about noon and stole his Apple Watch and $229, police said.

In the latest robbery on July 12, one of the suspects punched a 20-year-old man in the face inside the Newkirk Avenue subway station before fleeing with two pairs of Yeezy sneakers about 11 a.m., police said.

In the six gunpoint robberies, the duo stole four pairs of Yeezy sneakers, versions of which are released in limited quantities for about $350, but quickly resell for thousands of dollars, police said.

The sneakers, which are a collaboration between West and Adidas, have a zealous fan base that buy up entire batches of the sneakers almost immediately after they're released.

It wasn't immediately clear which type of Yeezy sneakers the suspects stole, but coveted versions like the "Turtledove" have fetched $2,218, well above their original price of $200, according to Shoe Collector.

The suspects hadn't been arrested as of Thursday morning, police said.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).