POLICE BEAT

Minivan victim of smash and grab bag

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The old adage of “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t take into consideration criminal minds looking for a potential mark.

An 18-year-old woman found that out the hard way, according to police. She returned to her 2016 Toyota Sienna parked near the intersection of Broadway and West 234th Street around 1 p.m., on Nov. 8, to find the rear driver’s side window was broken and her backpack was missing.

Someone made off with her backpack, which was on the floor of the back seat. It contained her wallet, driving permit, a debit card and a credit card.

The credit card company reported to police that the victim’s account was used at a nearby gas station, and authorities are continuing the investigation.

 

Epic (robbery) fail

Facing a switchblade wielded by a robber, a 19-year-old man was able to get a good look at the perp just before the miscreant attacked him. At least according to police.

The assailant approached the man near the 200 block of West Kingsbridge Road on Nov. 19 just after noon, brandished the knife and said, “Give me your cell phone,” police said.

The robber allegedly wrestled the victim to the ground, slashing him on the left palm. The guy got away with the victim’s phone, reportedly valued at $500.

Fortunately, once the police arrived, the hurt man gave them a detailed description of the perp, according to reports. Officers arrested two men and charged them with robbery.

 

Something’s missing

If you need a new set of tires, go to the tire store — don’t do what these guys did.

Police said someone went to the U-Haul at 230 W. 230th St., on the evening of Nov. 19 with nefarious intent.

Sometime during the night, robbers jacked up and slipped off 22 tires from the Chevrolet cargo vans, according to reports. Police are reviewing security camera footage to identify the criminals.

The tires were valued at $15,000.

 

Men wanted for questioning in assault

Police are looking for help identifying two men they say are wanted for questioning in connection to an assault earlier this month.

According to reports, a 44-year-old man was standing near the corner of Exterior Street and Broadway around 2 p.m., on Nov. 7, when two men started punching him in the head and body, causing him to fall down.

One of the men reportedly stomped his head, knocking him out.

The men took off in a dark-colored vehicle, while the victim was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, listed in stable conditon.

Anyone with information in regard to the identities of these two men are asked to call the New York Police Department’s CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-8477, or submit tips online at NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.

Police Beat, Heather J. Smith