NYPD: Man Breaks Into Five Apartments In Six Months In Hell's Kitchen
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have released new surveillance video of a man wanted in a string of burglaries in Midtown Manhattan.
As CBS2's Diane Macedo reported, police said the man hit at least six times in the past six months, breaking into apartments – three on West 49th Street and two on Tenth Avenue in Hell's Kitchen. He has made off with jewelry, electronics, credit cards, money and clothes, police said.
In each incident, he used the fire escape to get into the apartments, CBS2's Diane Macedo reported.
In the latest incident, police said a 24-year-old woman heard a noise outside her window and saw the suspect on her fire escape around 7 a.m. on July 25. When he saw her, the suspect immediately fled down the fire escape, police said.
The woman said she got a good look at the suspect, and so did her surveillance camera.
CBS2 showed the video to people in the neighborhood.
"It's a little scary when you hear it's happening in your neighborhood," said Brett Cione.
"It's very concerning, because we have a daughter, so we live on the second story, so we'll definitely be locking our windows now that I know this," said Alexandra Hall.
In the latest incident last month, the man ran away empty handed. But other victims weren't so lucky.
On Feb. 13, police said the same man entered two apartments on Tenth Avenue, stealing money, jewelry, electronics, clothing and a credit card.
On March 4, he stole electronics and jewelry from an apartment on 49th Street. And then two days later, he did the same at two more apartments on the same street.
Each and every time, he used the fire escape to enter.
Diana Kusko said hearing about the burglaries "definitely" worried her.
"I'm a single woman and living alone, so as I said, I think I definitely want to double lock my doors at night," Kusko said.
"I mean, would be great if they could keep a close watch on the neighborhood while these things are going on," added Hall.
Police said they are increasing patrols in the area. In the meantime, residents told CBS2 they will be extra careful about locking doors and windows, especially those near the fire escape.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, log onto the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
