By The newspaper
Mar 30, 2024, 11:11 AM EDT
NYPD is investigating a series of knifepoint robberies in New York’s famous Central Park, considered an oasis in the city chaos.
According to authorities, the thieves attacked three times between Wednesday and Thursday of this week in the western area of the park. The number of suspects involved in each robbery ranges between 3 and 6 people. So far they have managed to steal a bicycle, a cell phone and other property. It is not clear whether these are isolated or coordinated cases.
Burglaries in Central Park have increased this year, according to NYPD statistics. So far in 2024, 10 cases have been reported, compared to 2 during the same period last year.
Police said the robberies began early Wednesday at 65th Street and Central Park West. That same day another victim was assaulted on West 72nd Street. Then on Thursday there was another robbery at 100th Street and Central Park West.
In the first case, the victims were two 20-year-old young people who were approached by a man who first asked them the time and schedule of the trains. He then showed them a knife and demanded their wallets and phones.
Two other subjects then joined the thief, also carrying knives, and one of them shouted at the young people: “Hurry up or I will cut you.” The two victims handed over their belongings, which included phones, wallets, debit cards and passports, all worth $950, he explained. West Side Rag.
“There has been an increase in crime lately,” one person told FoxNews. “So I really hope we can find a way to reduce crime.” Earlier this month a woman was also sexually assaulted while she was jogging in the park.
No arrests have been made in these cases. Anyone with information should call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) and in Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Also through the website crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by text message to 274637 (CRIMES), followed by TIP577. All communications are strictly confidential.