Cops Hunt Teen Wanted For Stealing iPhone At Ocean Parkway Subway Station

An unidentified teen waited for the Q train to pull into the Ocean Parkway station, snatched an unsuspecting straphanger’s iPhone and bolted, according to police.

The August 10 incident took place at approximately 10:50 a.m. Cops say the suspect waited on the platform until a southbound train pulled in. He then entered a train car and grabbed the device out of the hands of a 19-year-old woman before fleeing the station.

Surveillance video captured his escape, and now police are sharing photos in their search for the perp. He is wanted for grand larceny.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577.

Cell phone theft remains one of the leading crimes in New York City. Sheepshead Bites reminds our readers that the following tips can go a long way in keeping a cell phone in your hands, and not those of a thief:

• Always be aware of your surroundings when using your device. Avoid flashing it in public, using it while walking down dark streets alone, etc.
• Avoid using it on the subway altogether. More than 70 percent of thefts occur on the subway. If you must use it, try not to do so near the car doors.
• Activate your phone’s security features, such as the lock screen.
• Install/activate a phone locator app, such as Find my iPhone.
• Register your phone with the NYPD. Operation I.D. allows residents to register their phone’s serial number with the name and contact information, so that if a phone is found it can be returned. More information is available here.