Citywide Chain Snatchers Wanted for Targeting Subway Riders
By Staff Reporter
Manhattan Voice
May 6, 2026
NEW YORK, NY - Cops are searching for a chain snatching crew that are targeting subway riders throughout the city.
According to police, the incidents—classified as a citywide grand larceny pattern involving necklace snatching on NYC subways—have taken place across several precincts, including Midtown South, the 44th, 110th, and 115th Precincts. While no injuries have been reported, the repeated nature of the crimes has raised concerns among daily commuters.
Investigators say the suspects are using a similar approach in each case: quietly approaching victims from behind on trains or platforms, removing jewelry, and quickly fleeing on foot. Most incidents involve necklaces, though one case escalated to a more aggressive confrontation.
The pattern has primarily unfolded in and around busy subway stations, making it particularly concerning for those who rely on public transit.
On April 28, 2026, at around 12:25 p.m., a 20-year-old man was exiting the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74 Street station in Queens when three individuals approached him from behind and removed his necklace. The group fled toward Broadway.
Later that same day, at approximately 2:20 p.m., an 18-year-old woman was riding a Number 4 train near Jerome Avenue and West Mount Eden Avenue in the Bronx when two individuals used the same tactic—approaching from behind and snatching her necklace before fleeing.
The incidents continued into May.
On May 1, at about 1:15 p.m., a 15-year-old boy aboard a northbound Number 7 train approaching 74 Street–Broadway station was targeted in a nearly identical manner. A single individual removed his necklace and escaped.
The following day, May 2, at around 6:30 p.m., an 18-year-old man standing on the northbound Number 7 train platform at 42 Street–Grand Central station in Manhattan fell victim to the same type of theft.
The pattern took a more alarming turn on May 3. At approximately 4:20 p.m., a 41-year-old man standing in front of 37-71 Junction Boulevard in Queens was approached by a group of six individuals. One of them simulated having a knife while another removed the victim’s headphones before the group fled.
While necklace snatching incidents in NYC subway stations are not unheard of, police say the consistency of the method and the geographic spread across multiple boroughs make this case notable.
Key similarities include:
- Victims targeted from behind
- Quick removal of visible valuables like chains or headphones
- Immediate escape on foot
- Occurrences in high-traffic transit areas
The escalation in the May 3 incident—where a weapon was implied—adds urgency to the investigation.
The NYPD is urging anyone who may recognize the individuals or have information related to these incidents to come forward.
As subway theft patterns in New York City continue to evolve, authorities are reminding riders to stay aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded stations and train cars.
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.
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