Police: Suspects wanted in more than a dozen pickpocket robberies in Bryant Park
NEW YORK -- Police are searching for the suspects accused of pickpocketing people in Bryant Park more than a dozen times.
At this time of year, the park basically turns into an outdoor mall, with thousands of tourists filing through every day to buy gifts and souvenirs.
But the park is being used as a personal piggy bank for two suspects, according to the NYPD, which believes they are swiping what they can from unassuming victims, CBS2's Ali Bauman reported Tuesday.
READ MORE: NYPD warns New Yorkers, tourists to be on the lookout for pickpockets at holiday hotspots
Police say at least 18 times since Nov. 20, the suspects have pickpocketed everything from AirPods, MetroCards and credit and debit cards to iPhones, wallets and designer purses.
The victims range from 18 to 67 years old.
"It's kind of a thought, God forbid something happens. So, for me, it's always about being alert," said Andrea Guzman of New Jersey.
"I stay alert of my surroundings and make sure I have eyes and hands on my wallet and valuables," said Hillary Goldman of Brooklyn.
When asked if it's something she has in the back of her mind when she's walking around the city, Becky Kinser, a tourist from Ohio, said, "Always. Yeah, always. I just have a Cross bag and try to keep my hand on it or close to it."
Over the weekend, the NYPD deployed its undercover pickpocket teams to hotspots, including Bryant Park, as well as Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
"We are the troops on the ground who follow guys who are targeting victims, try to steal belongings," Lt. Jonathan Cedeno said.
Police say pickpockets like to take advantage of tourists who are distracted, and cellphones are a hot target because the resale value is so high.
"We just want you to be mindful of your surroundings. If you're in a large crowd, be aware if you get bumped, that could be related to a pickpocket scam. Check your pockets and bags," Sgt. Kevin Kelley said.
However, security expert Bill Stanton says checking that your wallet is still in your pocket too often may actually be a mistake.
"They'll tap it. Guess what? You're sending a signal to the pickpocket that's exactly where it is," Stanton said.
Stanton says pickpockets usually work in teams, so one person can distract while the other swipes.
He added pockets and purses with zippers are best, and the golden rule is don't be a mark.
"They're looking at your jewelry, how you're dressed, how you carry yourself, and if you're wearing expensive stuff. It's a fair bet you'll have expensive stuff in your pocketbook or pocket," Stanton said.
So hold on to your belongings.
Anyone with information about them is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
