Distraction Robberies On The Rise At Rego Park Mall, Police Warn Shoppers
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Shoppers beware, robberies are on the rise -- police say the bad guys are targeting women.
As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, there are some simple things you can do to protect yourself.
With the holiday shopping season beckoning, and the promise of packed malls and enormous crowds comes a troubling warning to female shoppers from police in Rego Park.
Cops put a bold flier on Twitter this week warning of a recent increase in stolen property.
Valuables like cash and cellphones have been stolen from women's bags that have been left unattended.
"It's infuriating," one woman said.
Police said women are being targeted as they shop. It's happened four times in the past four weeks. Women who left their bags in shopping carts as they walked around the mall have been ripped off.
"You would expect to be safe in a mall," Myra Raiban said.
The news has left some women with an uncomfortable feeling.
"We're the ones out with the children. We're more distracted, and instead of people helping us they target us," Florentina Nica said
Authorities are now urging shoppers to hold onto their pocketbooks, be aware of their surroundings, and pay attention to people who look suspicious.
"I always keep my bag inside my jacket. It's the safest way," one woman said.
Cops caution that with the start of the holiday shopping frenzy the rip off rate could get worse.
