New York City Police Department stated that with the holiday season in full swing, the specialized Citywide Pickpocket Unit continues to patrol the subway system and popular attractions to combat pickpocket crimes. This year, more than half of the pickpockets caught were repeat offenders.
According to information provided by the NYPD to amNY, the specialized unit has arrested around 40 suspects involved in pickpocketing since 2025, with as many as 26 of them being repeat offenders. Although the overall number of pickpocketing cases has significantly decreased compared to previous years, a few individuals still repeatedly target large events and crowded places.
The pickpocket unit, comprised of plainclothes officers, blends into crowds for extended periods, patrolling subway cars, stations, and crowded locations during holidays, including Bryant Park’s Winter Village and the area around the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. They specifically target criminals who take advantage of distractions to steal phones and wallets.
Authorities revealed that these repeat offenders are well-known within the police department and often only surface during major celebrations or large events. Some offenders have been arrested dozens of times but continue to return to street crime. For instance, a 58-year-old man has been arrested 50 times, with 42 of the arrests involving serious crimes; he returned to pickpocketing after being released in spring 2025.
Some of the habitual pickpockets also have prior records of other severe crimes. For example, a criminal in Queens with a history of imprisonment for a sexual offense is currently on parole but has been arrested over 20 times for pickpocketing, albeit released due to the different nature of the new charges.
The NYPD has inquired with the five district attorney’s offices about why some suspects are repeatedly released, but there has been no response to date.
Joseph Gulotta, the NYPD’s Traffic Enforcement Director, emphasized the critical role the pickpocket unit plays in public safety. Operating in plainclothes allows officers to become familiar with pickpockets’ patterns and methods, as well as understand the activities of specific individuals, aiding in solving other related cases.
For victims, the loss extends beyond mere money, potentially including irreplaceable photos and personal memories stored on stolen phones. Officers of the specialized unit expressed that their work not only deters criminals but also helps victims regain dignity and a sense of security.
Authorities advise residents and tourists to remain vigilant when visiting crowded places during the holiday season, ensuring proper safeguarding of personal belongings to avoid becoming targets of pickpockets.