The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying an individual wanted in connection with a pattern of alleged grand larcenies across the Rockaway peninsula this summer.
According to police, eight incidents were reported between July 2 and Aug. 16, with the suspect allegedly targeting unattended personal property in the confines of the 100th Precinct. The reported thefts occurred primarily near the beach and boardwalk, with victims losing cellphones, wallets, cameras, credit cards and other belongings.
The first three incidents were reported on Thursday, July 2, at approximately 4:45 p.m. near Beach 67th Street and the boardwalk. Police said an unidentified individual allegedly removed personal property belonging to three separate victims: a 19-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man. The stolen items included iPhones, wallets and unspecified property. According to the NYPD, the belongings had been left unattended in an open area.
The following morning, July 3, at approximately 9 a.m., police said the same unidentified individual allegedly took a 40-year-old man’s cellphone, camera and other personal property near Beach 67th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard. The property had also been left unattended.
On July 4, at approximately 2 p.m., a 20-year-old woman’s backpack was allegedly taken near Beach 62nd Street and Beach Front Road. Police said the backpack contained iPhones, a camera, and credit cards.
More than two weeks later, on July 24, at approximately 1:05 p.m., a 21-year-old woman’s backpack was allegedly stolen near 8600 Shore Front Parkway. The bag contained iPhones, a wallet, and credit cards, according to police.
The pattern continued on Aug. 9, when, at approximately 5 p.m., a 23-year-old woman’s bag was allegedly taken near Beach 94th Street and Shore Front Parkway. The bag contained an iPhone, clothing and credit cards.
The most recent incident occurred on Sunday, Aug. 16, at approximately 10:15 a.m. near Beach 67th Street and Ocean Avenue North. Police said an unidentified individual allegedly removed a 34-year-old man’s property, including sunglasses, a wallet, and credit cards, from a parked vehicle.
No injuries were reported in connection with any of the incidents.
The NYPD released surveillance images of the individual sought in connection with the pattern, with the images obtained during the investigation into the Aug. 16 incident.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect or any of the incidents is asked to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. Tips can also be submitted online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website or on X at @NYPDTips. All calls and tips are strictly confidential.