Yorktown Police Warn Of 'Distraction,' 'Sleight-Of-Hand' Robberies

YORKTOWN, NY — Within the last few days, the Yorktown Police Department said there have been a couple of crimes involving distraction and/or sleight of hand.

The first crime happened in the parking lot of a local bank in Jefferson Valley.

Police said the victim was a senior citizen who had just withdrawn money from the bank and got into her car when she was approached by a female suspect wearing a baseball hat.

The woman told the senior citizen not to back up because there was something behind her rear tire.

The victim got out of the car to look behind the tire, and a male suspect wearing a horizontal-striped shirt reached into the victim’s vehicle and took a bank envelope filled with cash.

Both suspects walked away from the incident, police said.

Authorities said a review of surveillance video showed the male suspect had dropped paper clips behind the tire of the victim’s car.

The second crime happened in the parking lot of a Yorktown Heights supermarket.

Once again, police said, the victim was a senior who was approached by a male-female team that was trying to sell jewelry in the parking lot.

A male suspect, who was wearing a button-down shirt, shorts and sandals, engaged the victim and suggested he try on a necklace.

The second suspect, a female, placed the necklace on the victim while skillfully removing the necklace the victim was wearing, police said.

After that, both suspects left in a Jeep.

Police officials said scams happen in many different ways.

Most are online, they said, but there are still those who play their criminal trade in the community.

Law enforcement said people should be aware of their surroundings at all times. Whether it’s leaving the bank, mall, supermarket or gym, no one should approach you cold in a parking lot.

Yorktown police said, if anyone recognizes any of the suspects, call them at 914-962-4141.