Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
(New York, NY) — The NYPD is warning riders to stay awake while on the subway, amid a big spike in riders being pickpocketed as they sleep. Officers are riding the trains to warn riders that they are easy prey to have jewelry, phones and wallets grabbed while getting shut eye. Undercover officers say the continue to make arrests, but find the people they cuff are too often back on the subways days later, up to no good again. The NYPD says the best way for riders to protect themselves is, first stay awake, secure items if they plan to nap, and stay away from the seat closest to the doors. Pickpockets like snatching items from riders closest to the exits, because they can grab them and run out.
Crime is down in New York City. Stats show overall crime dropped five percent in March compared to March of last year, highlighted by a 24 percent drop in crime in the subway system. Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials say the biggest problem they are dealing with now is recidivism — convicted criminals who become repeat offenders.
