High-End Winter Coats, Watches Targets Of Thieves, Police Warn

BALTIMORE, MD — Police and school officials are warning residents that thieves are targeting people wearing well-known, expensive winter coats and watches.

Baltimore City police issued the warning Friday after at least 20 recent robberies involving victims wearing expensive coats.

Police said robbers target students before and after school, who are often alone at bus stops.

"It's coming before or after school," BPD Detective Vernon Davis told WJZ. "Usually it's students who have nice clothing, very expensive coats, jackets, watches, shoes."

Brands mentioned that have been the focus of thieves include North Face, Canada Goose, Moose Knuckles, and Citizen.

Safety reminders shared by police include:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Avoid distractions
• Don't travel alone
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Avoid carrying luxury items when possible

The alert first was issued for Southeast Baltimore, but the robberies have happened across the city and in neighboring areas, including Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County, police said.

An undetermined number of arrests have been made, police said, with the suspects between the ages of 15 and 18.