Man Arrested After Stealing Car From LI Mall Parking Lot, Cops Say
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a car parked at the Roosevelt Field Mall, police said.
A 34-year-old victim parked her car at the mall and went inside to shop, WLNY TV 10/55's Jennifer McLogan reported. When she returned to the lot, her car was gone.
A GPS system tracked the vehicle to Flushing, Queens, where police arrested 49-year-old Dioscoro Cervantes, cops said.
Detectives called it a 'crime of opportunity.'
"There really are more scam artists out there now , than ever," Larry Fowler, of Great Neck, said.
With just days until Christmas, police are suggesting new strategies to keep shoppers safe. Uniformed and undercover officers patrol trafficked areas, while surveillance cameras record a robber's every move.
"I always have my keys in my hand and I make sure I know where my car is," Mary Abbatiello, of Westbury, said. "Pop open the car, go in and lock it right away."
Police also suggest carrying packages in one hand and carrying a whistle while you shop, to alert others if you find yourself in danger.
"Leave one hand open, preferably that would be your strong hand, and this way if you do have to fight off anyone," Lieutenant Richard LeBrun, of the Nassau County Police Department, said. "Or pull your whistle out or your keys it is your dominant hand and this way you can use that to protect yourself:"
If you think you're being followed, police say don't go to your car. Instead, walk past it and return to the store, or somewhere where you can get help.
