You need to stay alert at all times

NYPD’s New Warning Against Pickpockets

On Friday night, the New York City Police Department deployed an electronic billboard truck outside Radio City Music Hall on Sixth Avenue in Midtown, displaying a message to “Beware of Pickpockets.” Images of the billboard have circulated, drawing attention to the ongoing issue.

Pickpocketing remains a concern, especially in bustling areas like Times Square, Bryant Park, and around Rockefeller Center. In response, the NYPD has established a plainclothes “pickpocket squad” dedicated to monitoring these high-traffic locations and apprehending criminals.

Interestingly, overall crime in the NYPD’s 18th Precinct, which oversees the area around Radio City, has decreased this year. Reports indicate that petty thefts, including pickpocket incidents and retail thefts, have dropped by 18% compared to the same time last year, plummeting from 3,036 to 2,486 incidents, according to an NYPD spokesperson.

However, the same spokesperson noted a rise in violent robberies, which have grown by 9%, from 228 to 248 this year. Yet, there was a notable decrease in crime over the past 28 days, reflecting perhaps a more focused policing strategy.

“This is thanks to diligent efforts and the commitment of the Midtown North Precinct officers,” the spokesperson mentioned.

Police believe that the surge in robberies earlier in the year was linked to the increase in temporary migrant housing in the vicinity, though it appears things may be stabilizing now.

Beverly Patterson, 77, shared her thoughts on the prevalence of pickpockets, noting that women are often easier targets because they don’t keep their belongings secured. “Even with my backpack, everything is right here,” she remarked, patting her chest.

A retired teacher from Georgia, now residing in the Bronx, added that vigilance is crucial, particularly around the holidays and in places filled with tourists. “In a city this big, you really have to watch who you meet, where you go, and all that,” she cautioned.

Patterson wasn’t shy about her own defensive measures. She gestured to her cane, saying, “I always have something to protect me… this can be used as a weapon.”

Bob Kuppelmeier, 64, a former defense industry worker, also emphasized the importance of being alert. “There are a lot of scammers here,” he commented while waiting for family outside Radio City. Growing up in Queens, he was quick to note, “People need to stay aware; it’s easy to be taken advantage of.”

Living on Long Island now, Kuppelmeier believes criminals often target visitors who might see New York as a kind of paradise. He has a personal strategy: “Since I was 18, my wallet has always been in my front pocket, never the back.”

Peter Talozzi from Bay Ridge expressed his concerns too. While attending an event at the venue, he pointed out that being cautious in the city is critical, mentioning, “You have to think about who you are surrounded with and where you are.” He also observed how quickly pickpockets can identify potential victims. “They just confront you, and they are incredibly fast.”

Ella Worstell, a 17-year-old from just outside Baltimore, mentioned her experience encountering the billboard right before seeing an off-Broadway show. Having just returned from a summer in France, where pickpocketing is rampant, she found it ironic. “We had just talked about how this isn’t really a topic in the U.S., and then we saw that sign,” she laughed.