Cops Seek Crew That Went On UES Purse-Snatching Spree
Numerous coordinated thefts took place on Jan. 19 and Jan. 21, authorities said. Police are seeking five young men in connection with the incidents.
| 07 Feb 2025 | 04:22
Five suspects are being sought by the NYPD in connection with three robbery incidents that targeted women with purses on the Upper East Side last month. (
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The NYPD is seeking five unidentified individuals in connection with a string of purse thefts that occurred on the Upper East Side last month. The reported incidents occurred on Jan. 19 and Jan. 21, and targeted three women. Police have released security footage of the five young men they are seeking, who were wearing a variety of red or black outer garments at the time. Four were wearing hoodies.
The first incident occurred at around 8:20 p.m. on Jan. 19, cops said, when “multiple” suspects approached a 32-year-old woman near 232 E. 75th St. The thugs allegedly acted in concert to rip off her purse, which contained credit cards and currency. Fortunately, the young woman was not physically injured.
Shortly thereafter, cops say that suspects approached a 38-year-old woman on Third Avenue and East 78th Street. They reportedly attempted to steal her handbag, but were ultimately rebuffed, before fleeing on foot. The woman suffered minor injuries but refused medical attention.
Just under 48 hours later, at around 5:40 p.m. on Jan. 21, the crew allegedly approached a third victim, a 71-year-old woman. The young thugs attempted to wrestle her handbag away from her, but were rebuffed once more.