NYPD Seeks Public Help Identifying Suspects in Multi-Location Jewelry Theft Pattern Across Manhattan and Brooklyn

‘Leopard Woman’ Leads Crew to Rob Jewelry Stores Thru-Out Manhattan, Brooklyn

By Staff Reporter

Manhattan Voice

March 19, 2026

NEW YORK, NY - Cops are looking for a trio of female jewel thieves who hit three shops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn on the same day. The ring leader wore a distinctive leopard pattern and appears to be the one who distracts store employees while the others steal the jewelry.

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying three women believed to be behind a coordinated series of jewelry thefts that unfolded across multiple locations in a matter of hours.

According to investigators, the incidents follow a very specific pattern—one that business owners and employees should be aware of.

The NYPD says the same three individuals are wanted in connection with a grand larceny pattern targeting jewelry stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Cops say the crew hit three locations on the same day: March 9, 2026.

What makes this case particularly notable is how methodical the suspects appear to be.

In each incident, two of the women engaged a store employee in conversation—effectively distracting them—while the third quietly removed valuable jewelry from display cases. The items targeted were easily accessible, often from unlocked or countertop displays.

Here’s a closer look at how the events unfolded:

At approximately 2:00 pm, the trio entered a commercial establishment on Centre Street. While two suspects kept a female employee occupied, the third removed jewelry valued at around $31,000 from an unlocked display case. The group then fled in an unknown direction.

Just a few hours later, around 6:10 pm, the same pattern played out at a store on North 7th Street. This time, approximately $7,000 worth of jewelry was taken from a countertop display. The suspects were last seen fleeing eastbound on foot.

Less than an hour later, at about 6:55 pm, another store on North 6th Street was targeted. The suspects once again used distraction tactics, making off with roughly $3,500 in jewelry before fleeing.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

Police describe the suspects as three females with light complexions, but beyond that, identifying details remain limited—making public assistance even more critical.

The distraction-based retail theft technique used here is something law enforcement says is becoming more common, especially in high-value retail environments like jewelry stores.

This case highlights a growing concern: organized retail theft using distraction tactics in New York City. Small businesses, particularly those dealing in high-value goods, are increasingly being targeted by coordinated groups.

Store owners are encouraged to:

• Keep display cases locked at all times

• Train employees to recognize distraction techniques

• Ensure multiple staff members are present during business hours

The NYPD is urging anyone who may recognize the individuals or has information related to these incidents to come forward. Even small details—such as where the suspects may have gone after the incidents—could help investigators piece together the case.

If you were in the areas of Centre Street, North 7th Street, or North 6th Street on March 9, you may have seen something without realizing its significance.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips. 

All calls are confidential.