West Side Crime Watch

Better Hide Your RideThese days, New York City bicyclists have to look out not just for motorists, but thieves as well. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, a 50-year-old man locked up his bike outside 1981 Broadway. When he returned, his two-wheeler was gone. The make and model of the bicycle were not specified, but it was valued at $1,100.

Down the DuaneTwo of the ubiquitous Duane Reade shoplifters were arrested. At 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, two men entered the chain’s store at 253 W. 72nd Street and made off with $1,400 worth of merchandise. Police caught up with the pair, however, arrested them, and charged them with grand larceny.

Banana BanditLuxury became even more accessible for one shoplifter recently. At 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, a 50-year-old man entered the Banana Republic store at 1976 Broadway and made off with $2,556 worth of merchandise. Police said an investigation is ongoing.

Unauthorized Bike Sharer SnaredSome folks aren’t content to rent Citi Bikes; they prefer to steal them instead. At midnight on Saturday, September 12, a man took unauthorized possession of a Citi Bike from the stand at 72nd Street and Central Park West. He was subsequently captured by police, arrested, and charged with grand larceny. The value of each Citi Bike is $1,200.

For more West Side crime news, go to www.westsidespirit.com and click on News, then Crime Watch