Pair targets shoppers, diners in string of Midtown Manhattan thefts

Police are looking for a duo who they say is responsible for five thefts that occurred in Midtown Manhattan while the victims shopped, enjoyed dinner and spent time with loved ones.

The first incident occurred on Oct. 23, 2015 at about 9:52 p.m. when a 49-year-old woman was eating dinner at Guantanamera Restaurant at 939 Eighth Ave. The woman’s purse — containing car keys and credit cards — was removed from her chair, according to police.

On Nov. 13, 2015 at about 6 p.m. a 57-year-old woman was inside Saks Fifth Avenue at 611 Fifth Ave. when she placed her handbag on a display table and moments later noticed it missing. The bag held a wallet which contained credit cards and an undetermined amount of cash.

Days later on Nov. 26 at about 5:30 p.m. a 45-year-old victim was eating at a restaurant at Rockefeller Center at 20 W. 50th St. when she noticed her wallet was missing from her purse, police said. A credit card from the wallet was later used to make purchases at Michael Kors and TGI Friday’s locations on 5th Avenue.

The same day at about 9:50 p.m. a 28-year-old victim was inside a Michael Kors location at 610 5th Ave. when she placed her purse at the checkout counter and had about $3,000 taken from inside her purse, according to authorities.

The duo’s final robbery occurred on Dec. 16 at about 7:30 p.m. when a 57-year-old woman and her husband were viewing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The victim noticed her shoulder bag was unzipped and her purse was taken, police said. The purse contained $130 in cash, and an American Express credit card with transactions made of about $8,038.

Authorities describe the female suspect as a white woman last seen wearing a red long-sleeved sweater, red scarf, blue jeans, black shoes, and carrying a red purse and black shopping bag. Her partner is described as a white man last seen wearing a blue short-sleeve shirt, black jeans, black shoes, and carrying a sweater on his left arm and a dark brown shopping bag.

Police have released surveillance photos of the two suspects.

Anyone with information in regards to these incidents is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.