A bizarre crime wave involving young children, seemingly directed by adults, has been plaguing bars and businesses in New York City. Witnesses report that children, some appearing as young as 10, are being used to steal from unsuspecting establishments, and in some cases, they have escalated from taking money from unattended bags to stealing cash from open safes.
The young culprits typically approach businesses, claiming to raise money for a basketball team, and then proceed to engage in disruptive behavior. Witnesses have observed adults waiting for these children outside the targeted businesses, seemingly directing their actions.
The spree, reminiscent of a Charles Dickens story, began approximately eight months ago, with children initially stealing from unattended bags. However, the situation escalated when they began snatching food from tables, intimidating customers, and, in one instance, brandishing a knife.
In August, one of the young thieves stole $600 from an open safe at a bar. Surveillance footage captured the child’s actions as he waited for an opportune moment to enter the office. In another incident, a child stole approximately $700 in petty cash from a safe, using a bathroom trip as a ruse.
Witnesses believe that the children are being directed and taught by adults, and that they may scout their targets in advance. Police are investigating these incidents to determine if there is a citywide pattern and if there are gang connections involved.
The bizarre nature of these crimes has left business owners and witnesses shocked and concerned for the children being exploited in this way. The situation highlights the need for vigilant security measures and raises questions about the influence of adults involved in these crimes.