Residents On Edge After String Of Robberies In Riverside Park
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Residents are on edge after a string of muggings in Riverside Park.
The NYPD says a group of young teenagers have been robbing park goers along Riverside Drive of cell phones, cash and even their bikes.
Police have documented seven incidents this summer.
One 65-year-old victim, who did not wan to be identified, said on Aug. 15, four teens cornered him on the bike path just south of 125th Street.
Without anywhere to go, he said a barrage of punches came his way, leaving him with a black eye.
"He wanted me to fight with him. If i started fighting with him, three other guys would take my bicycle," the victims said. "All they wanted was my bicycle."
Eventually, some strangers intervened.
"Fortunately for me, two other cyclists showed up – like a man and a woman — and my understanding, these two people scared them away," the man said.
Police sources confirm there were similar attacks in Riverside Park between the end of July and Aug. 15, all involving a roving pack of teens on bikes.
The incidents have left park goers on high alert.
"It's a little scary to think about," said park goer Lorna Begg.
"I'm definitely surprised," said park goer Brandon Gleason. "I still don't think twice and only because there's so many people right here. Maybe if it's in a closed off area that's a little more secluded, I'd probably be looking behind my shoulder."
"You think you live in a good neighborhood, but I guess it can happen anywhere," another man said.
"I went around here all the time and I usually feel pretty safe but I guess this is something to be aware of," another woman said.
New York City Park Advocates President Geoffrey Croft said Riverside Park has the third most reported crimes in all of the 1,500 city parks and it must be better protected.
"The public expects to be safe but what we are seeing time and time again is that's not happening," he said.
The NYPD said they have increased patrols along the four mile bike stretch with officers both in police cruisers and on foot.
