NEW YORK — A warning used to be issued Sunday to citizens following a series of armed muggings at a Bronx park.
The NYPD mentioned two girls and a person have been centered in wide sunlight at Van Cortlandt Park final month.
As the first snowstorm of the season got here to a detailed Sunday, New Yorkers made their technique to the park with some reservations.
“It’s a great park. It’s an amazing park. It’s a shame that is going on,” Nicole Limperopulos mentioned.
Limperopulos walks her canine, Finn, round there day-to-day, however she’s now on alert, realizing about the 3 robberies on the trails final month.
“I don’t carry a wallet with me. Not having a phone is hard thing,” Limperopulos mentioned.
“In the 40 years I’ve lived here, crime has really never been an issue. So to have three incidents in a short period, it’s concerning,” park goer Michael Holoszyc mentioned.
What’s extra relating to is police mentioned all 3 crimes took place in the afternoon. The first got here on Dec. 13, when a person jogging on Forest Trail within the park had his cellular phone and operating belt snatched by means of one suspect, who had two accomplices on a moped.
Detectives mentioned issues were given extra severe six days later, when a suspect on a mud motorcycle confirmed a knife and robbed a lady of her cellular phone.
Then on Christmas Eve, there used to be a an identical incident. A suspect pulled up at the back of a jogger on a path and displayed a screwdriver ahead of getting away with a telephone.
“Dude has a knife and is holding people sort of up for their phones. Not great,” Limperopulos mentioned.
Fidel Vidal is a component of the New York Road Runners and trains in the park. He has been given the warnings.
“They have suggested to run in groups because if you are by yourself, you are target,” Vidal mentioned.
“Music is low. I don’t keep my music loud,” Giovanna Jenkins added. “I always look to see if there is anyone behind me.”
Park police have been noticed on Sunday patrolling.
“It’s unfortunate they have to be here under these circumstances, but it’s nice seeing them,” park goer Richard Chen mentioned.
That equipped some sense of aid, however some mentioned there must be warning indicators.
“No posters, no postings,” Jenkins mentioned. “It’s like sitting duck. If we know there is is problem, we can walk together to be able to give each other a heads up, but not even know it’s happening, it’s problematic.”
The NYPD could also be tracking the park intently and detectives are operating to look if the incidents are hooked up.