Police searching for 2 robbers who target women on Bronx elevators

CLAREMONT, Bronx (WABC) -- It's not the typical place you'd expect to be robbed, but it is where two criminals target their victims every time - on elevators. The robbers have struck five times in the Bronx with the latest incident happening just a few days ago. All of the assaults happening within a half mile radius.

In the Butler Houses, police say a man has been piercing that sense of security, following unsuspecting women into their building elevators. Once inside, police say the man simulates a gun, and grabs their purses. It has happened at least five times since October, most recently twice in one apartment. Police have posted a sign in the lobby, warning residents to be alert.

Police also released video of a suspect and another man in a subway station, allegedly offering a straphanger a swipe from a MetroCard stolen from the victims to see if they still worked.

Police now want the public's help in finding both men so they can put a stop to the spree of crime.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late twenties or early thirties, 5'7" tall, weighing 230 pounds. The second male is also Hispanic and in his early twenties.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.