Cops put kibosh on teen thief's romp

The Starbucks at 3503 Johnson Ave. is like any other: soothing pictures of exotic flora and coffee beans on the walls, tables and window-facing bars on the floor. With plenty of electrical outlets, it’s a natural hangout for people trying to get some work done or catch up with friends.

When Jane Genth, 77, stepped in from the cold on the day after an under whelming snowstorm hit Riverdale, she did not expect anything out of the ordinary. She ordered her coffee, left her purse at a seat and went to the milk and sugar bar.

In the time it took her to return to her seat on Jan. 28, Ms. Genth became the victim of grand larceny. A 16-year-old stole four credit cards, two bank cards, multiple keys, a cell phone, about $900 and a pair of light blue earrings with silver trim valued at $300, according to a criminal complaint.

It was the third of four larcenies to which the 16-year-old eventually confessed after being arrested on Feb. 4 at the David A. Stein Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy (M.S./H.S. 141), where he is currently enrolled. Three of the larcenies took place at the Starbucks. It seems the 16-year-old’s fatal error came when he attempted to continue his activities at the Yo-Burger at 3726 Riverdale Ave.

The 16-year-old visited the Yo-Burger shortly after 8 p.m. on Jan. 30. When Karen Frieder, 47, left her seat to use the restroom, she returned to find $75 missing from the wallet in her purse.

“When the lady realized her money was gone, we called police,” said Yo-Burger co-owner Mario Curanaj, adding that Yo-Burger has made a significant investment in its security video system.

“Believe me, this place is safe,” he said. When police officers arrived, he took them straight to see the video and offered them a copy of it as well.

“Yo-Burger helped solve this case,” Community Affairs Officer Mindy Ramos said in a phone interview. “It was the video that allowed police to identify the perpetrator.”

The 16-year-old has confessed to three incidents involving grand and petit larceny at Starbucks on Dec. 4, Jan. 15, and Jan. 28., along with the incident involving petit