The NYU Department of Campus Safety has been made aware of three separate incidents that all fit the same pattern and may be caused by the same suspects. These incidents all involved two male-presenting individuals on a dark scooter, driving on sidewalks around the NYU Washington Square Park area, attempting to snatch headphones off of people's heads. Details regarding each incident can be found below.
On Friday, February 10, at 3:13 p.m., an NYU student reported that at 2:50 p.m., while walking on Mercer Street near West 3rd Street, a dark motorbike stopped next to them and snatched their AirPod Max off of their head. The student sustained no injuries and was assisted in reporting the incident to the NYPD.
On Thursday, February 9, at 8:40 p.m., an NYU student reported that at about 5:30 p.m., while waiting to cross the street at the intersection of University Place and West 10th Street, two people on a dark red motorbike attempted to grab their headphones off of their head. The student stated that they leaned back and the suspects were unsuccessful. The student sustained a scratch on their forehead as a result of the attempted theft.
On Wednesday, February 8, at 4:29 p.m., an NYU student reported that at about 4:22 p.m., while walking a couple of blocks from 7 Washington Place, two people on a black motorbike attempted to grab headphones off of their head. After a brief struggle, the suspects were unsuccessful and fled in the direction of Washington Square Park. No injuries were reported by the student. Further review by the Department showed that the suspects were on a scooter and the the incident happened near the intersection of West 4th Street and Broadway.
Description of Reported Offenders: The suspects were described and seen on camera as male-presenting and of a medium to light complexion. Both wore masks or helmets and the passanger wore a black puffer jacket in all three incidents. No further description is currently available.
If you have any additional information about these incidents, please contact NYU Campus Safety at (212) 998-2222.