The NYPD is searching for three people suspected of stealing multiple cars and ATMs across Brooklyn and Queens in nearly 20 incidents since October, according to authorities.
Police said the trio has stolen at least 10 ATMs, four vehicles and $3,500 in cash since mid-October in neighborhoods including East New York, Cypress Hills, Williamsburg, Fresh Meadows, Flushing and Forest Hills. The thieves have broken into unoccupied parked vehicles and businesses, including restaurants, salons and delis, according to officials.
The first incident took place on Oct. 16 at around 8:30 p.m., when one of the people stole a car parked on 188th Street near 69th Avenue in Fresh Meadows, police said. Less than three hours later, two of the people broke into a business on Sutter Avenue near Lincoln Avenue in East New York and stole an ATM, authorities said.
The spree continued into November, when the three people stole an ATM from a business on Sutter Avenue near New Jersey Avenue in East New York early one morning, according to the NYPD. In December, the people are accused of stealing three more vehicles and several more ATMs across a dozen incidents, most recently on Dec. 27.
No injuries were reported throughout all the incidents. Officials said they did not have specific descriptions of the stolen vehicles. They said the thieves have at times fled in a dark-colored SUV or minivan, and at least twice in a Honda Pilot. Police also released surveillance images showing people wearing hoodies and masks.
City data shows burglaries are down 4% citywide since last year, while grand larcenies are down about 2%.
The NYPD is asking anyone with information about the individuals to call its Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Members of the public can also submit tips on the Crime Stoppers website.