Key Takeaways:
– Over $225,000 worth of designer handbags was stolen from Rebag boutique in SoHo.
– Two men are suspected of breaking into the store after hours.
– The duo was tracked via surveillance video to a subway station in Queens.
– A Gucci store in Manhattan was targeted a week later by a robbery crew, stealing an estimated $50,000 worth of merchandises.
– The robbers are still at large, while NYPD has released images of the two SoHo burglary suspects seeking public help.
A daring burglary duo stole more than $225,000 in branded handbags from a SoHo boutique, Rebag, during an after-hours break-in, announced the police on Friday.
A Calculated Break-In
Approximately at 11 p.m. on February 12, the thieves forced open a basement door at the Rebag boutique located on W. Broadway near Spring St to gain access. Moving up onto the retail floor, they shattered glass display cases and made away with a number of designer bags. The brands lifted included Christian Dior, Alexander Wang, Tom Ford, and Prada, according to collected data.
Tracing the Offenders
Investigators fishing through surveillance tapes spotted the thieves lingering on the edges of 60th Road and Fresh Pond Road in Queens. One of the suspects was carrying a roller bag, as recorded by a surveillance video in a subway station.
Targeting a Gucci Store
In a separate incident a week later, a gang of thieves targeted a Gucci store on W. 14th St. near Ninth Ave. in the Meatpacking District. Footage from the surveillance cameras captured three robbers, at least one of whom was laden with a firearm. The masked robbers snatched an estimated total value of over $50,000 of high-end bags and glasses.
Coincidently, the gunman failed to secure all the stolen items during the raid. His accomplice was seen cramming several items into a sizable laundry bag on the recording. A third suspect, a woman, was observed on the footage scouting the Gucci store ahead of the robbery.
The Escape
Post invasion, the trio fled the scene in a black Honda CR-V, last spotted heading towards New Jersey through the Lincoln Tunnel. Though they remain on the run, detectives have reportedly linked the culprits to two vehicles, one of which has been retrieved.
Unveiling Suspect Images
The authorities released images of the two men associated with the SoHo boutique burglary, soliciting public help in identifying them. Both are believed to be in their thirties to forties and around 5-foot-8 in height. One burglar was heavier built with facial hair and was last viewed donning a black hat, a dark jacket, and blue jeans. The second man had a slim build, also had facial hair, and was seen wearing a dark hat, black balaclava, black hooded jacket, and striped black pants.
Considering the mounting thefts in high-end boutiques in Manhattan, anyone with pertinent information concerning these robberies is encouraged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. Assuring absolute confidentiality, the NYPD urges the public to aid in their investigations.