Volume 78 - Number 42 / March 25 -31, 2009
West and East Village, Chelsea, Soho, Noho, Little Italy, Chinatown and Lower East Side, Since 1933

Police warn: Watch bags in bars and clubs, laptops in coffee shops

The Police Department’s Crime Prevention Office is warning patrons of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and clubs, especially in the Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Precincts, about unattended-property crimes.

“People leave their bags on the backs of their chairs or on the floor beside them in bars and restaurants and then step away — to the restroom or for another drink. They come back to find the bag gone or a wallet stolen from it,” said Detective John Flaherty. “In bars and nightclubs, women often leave all their bags on one chair and throw a coat or something over them. Then they go on the dance floor or visit another table. The bad guys know what’s under the coat, ladies! It’s not a good practice,” Flaherty warned.

“In coffee shops, people spread their electronic equipment on their table, go for another cup of coffee — and the laptop is gone. Please keep an eye on your stuff,” Flaherty said.