Brooklyn and Queens have become a prime target for thieves in the area according to recent reports from local police departments. Police say that a group of burglars are working together to target wealthy residents, break into homes, and steal luxury vehicles.
At least 13 residents have already been targeted, and police are sure that more thefts will come in the near future.
According to police, the group of bandits are working together in groups of three and four. Investigators think that the team identifies a home ahead of time and then waits until the very early hours of the morning to strike.
So far, the group has been focusing on the Whitestone neighborhood in Queens, but they’ve also targeted the following areas:
- Manhattan Beach
- Bayside
- Bay Ridge
- Jamaica Estates
- Holliswood
Police believe the group first began targeting homes back in June. They started off their crime streak with three break-ins near Point Crescent. In all three attempts, the would-be burglars were stopped. In one case, a homeowner stopped them, and in another, an alarm scared them away.
They didn’t stop there, though, as authorities believe they regrouped and created a better plan before striking more homes in July. Police think that the team burglarized at least nine different homes in nine days. In this second string, only two of the break-ins were foiled. The group was able to steal an Audi SUV, Range Rover, Porsche, a BMW sedan, Genesis sedan, and a Mercedes Benz. So far, three of the stolen vehicles have been recovered.
Most recently in early August, another home was targeted in Manhattan Beach. Clothes, jewelry, and two vehicles were stolen.
Luxury Targets Come With Greater Criminal Consequences
Residents realize that their luxury vehicles are prime targets for thieves. It’s important for citizens to understand, however, that all thefts are not considered equal.
In fact, under the law, the severity of your theft crime is directly tied to the value of what you’ve stolen. With that in mind, targeting the ultra-wealthy and stealing very expensive cars could land you with some very serious consequences. Stealing a Porsche isn’t the same thing as stealing a necklace.
Petit larceny happens when the property’s value isn’t specified or the property isn’t worth much. This type of crime is only a misdemeanor and most cases are resolved without the perpetrator going to jail. Grand larceny, on the other hand, happens when the stolen property is worth more than $1,000.
Under this crime, there are four degrees. Fourth degree larceny happens when stolen property is valued at over $1,000 and up to $3,000. Second degree larceny happens when the property is worth $50,000 to $1,000,000. All of these crimes are considered felonies.
If you’ve recently been arrested for a theft crime in New York, then it’s important to hire a lawyer. A good lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and the severity of the charges against you. Based on the circumstances of your arrest, they’ll help you determine how to best defend yourself.
If you’re in New York or a nearby area, then schedule your free case evaluation with our legal team now to discuss your situation in more detail with our lawyers.
