The Phone Thief Called Back

Reported by Crown Heights Shmira:

On Monday evening June 16, 2014 at 9:30pm a Jewish girl was walking with her younger sister near the intersection of Empire boulevard and Bedford avenue while texting on her cell phone.

A black male snuck up behind her and quickly snatched her phone out of her hand. He then began running westbound on empire blvd towards prospect park.

The victim used her sister’s phone and called the Shmira hotline for help. Numerous volunteers responded and arrived in under 2 minutes. The description of the perpetrator was broadcast and a call to police was made.

Shmira members canvassed the area for over 1 hour and were unable to locate the perpetrator.

That’s when Shmira detective work began. Attempts to speak to the thief by phone were made several times without any luck until today, Wednesday June 18, 2014, when the phone was answered and the thief demanded $1,500 cash for its return. It was agreed to meet inside a deli shop on Nostrand avenue and Farragut road.

The 71st Precinct detectives and Anti-crime division were notified and together with Shmira the perpetrator was caught red-handed and promptly placed under arrest. He was positively identified by the victim and was charged with larceny, possession of stolen property and extortion.

During the summer months there is a spike in crime of opportunity. Shmira reminds everyone to always be aware of your surroundings and avoid using your cell phone distractedly in public.

In case of any emergency always call Shmira/CHSP 24/7 at 718-221-0303 and 911.