High numbers of people reporting stolen items in New York have prompted Inside Edition to set traps for pick-pocketers. Unsurprisingly, some people took the bait, not knowing that all of the pick-pocketers would be caught on camera.
The holiday season is a time of love, joy, and family, but for some, it’s a time to make a quick buck by stealing from others. One area where pick-pocketing is most prevalent is in New York City. Thousands of people are doing last-minute shopping, and families travel across the country to see New York’s iconic Christmas events, like the ice skating rink in Bryant Park, where this story takes place.
In an interview with Inside Edition, Julie Devine says her phone was stolen right out of her pocket.
“I was taking a picture of the [Rockefeller Center] Christmas tree, and then I put my phone away into my pocket to move my hair out of my face,” Julie says. She adds,” I went to go grab it again, and it wasn’t there. That’s how quick it could happen.”
With pick-pocketing incidents skyrocketing, Inside Edition decided to take matters into their own hands in order to spread awareness about the issue. Armed with a trackable Apple Airtag hidden inside an otherwise empty wallet, an Inside Edition producer enjoyed the festivities of Bryant Park. It wasn’t long before a young woman stole the wallet and left the area. Little did she know, she was caught on video and was being tracked.
The team followed the Apple Airtag’s location to where the pick-pocketer had abandoned the tracker somewhere on the street. Sadly, her whereabouts after the threw away the Airtag are unknown, so the team was unable to confront her or alert authorities.
With over 450,000 views, Inside Edition’s video has exposed the pick-pocketer and spread awareness about the rising cases of stolen property. At the end of the video, Bill Stanton, a former NYPD officer and security consultant, shares helpful tips on how to keep your belongings safe.
“Number one rule, put your most valuable things in your front pockets. That’s where it is hardest to get to.”
With Inside Edition’s informative video, as well as cooperation with the NYPD, many holiday shoppers and tourists will have the knowledge to protect their belongings and stay safe this holiday season.