Clinton Hill Purse Snatching on the Rise

A wave of purse snatching hit Clinton Hill and Fort Green the week of Sept. 13 through 19, 2010.

Monday, Sept. 13
A woman's wallet was stolen out of her purse shopping at Daffy's. The woman had left her purse hanging on a stroller while shopping at the Atlantic Avenue store.

There was a purse snatching in Fort Greene at the General Greene on DeKalb Avenue. A woman left her purse at her table and it was missing when she returned.

Tuesday, Sept. 14
Bags were taken from a man in Fort Greene Park. A witness tried to track the thief, but retreated once the thief pulled out what was believed to be a gun.

Wednesday, Sept. 15
Security cameras at Zaytoons on Myrtle Avenue caught a purse snatching from the back of a woman's chair.

Thursday, Sept. 16
Another purse was taken off the back of a chair on Myrle Avenue, but this time it was at Bergen Bagel.

Friday, Sept. 17
A woman's purse was stolen from the back of her chair at Stone Home on Lafayette Avenue.

Saturday, Sept. 18
A woman's wallet was stolen from her purse at the Flatbush Avenue Target. The thief had made purchases with the victim's credit card at Target.

Sunday, Sept. 19
According to the New York Post, a woman was riding her bike along Vanderbilt Avenue and had her bag stolen from her bike's basket while she was stopped at a red light.

The New York City Police Department has a list of crime prevention and safety tips on purse snatching that are worth reading. Keep an eye out for your neighbors, Clinton Hill.

Sources:

"88^th Precinct Crime Complaints," NYPD CompStat Unit.

"Fort Greene Park is a Mugger's Paradise," NYPost.com.