They are calling him the "/*Hefty Burglar*/", but Eyewitness News reporter Anthony Johnson prefers the nickname "/*The Ponytail Bandit*/". He began his crime spree on the /*Lower East Side*/ and has been working his way north to more posh places along /*Lexington Avenue*/.
He is a heavyset man with dark hair and a ponytail, and he generally wears dark clothing and eyeglasses. He seems to target restaurants during the late-night or early-morning hours.
The first incident occurred on March 3, when the suspect cut through a gate and broke into the Golden City Chinese Restaurant on E. 33rd Street. He has gone into other businesses as well, usually cutting through metal gates to gain entry. The pattern usually begins on a Thursday and ends on a Monday.
So far, no one has been hurt. The suspect makes off with cash and other valuables.
Police are asking anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
List of incidents:
Incident #1: Thursday, March 3, 2011 at approximately 10:30 p.m. at the Golden City restaurant located at 14 East 33rd Street; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #2: Friday, March 4, 2011 at approximately 12:01 a.m. at Mike's Pizza restaurant located at 415 2nd Avenue; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #3: Friday, March 4, 2011 at approximately 1:00 a.m. at the Mike Due Pizza restaurant located at 338 3rd Avenue; the security gate was gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #4: Monday, March 7, 2011 at approximately 10:00 p.m. at the Pastafina restaurant located at 712 3rd Avenue; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #5: Saturday, March 12, 2011 at approximately 5:00 p.m. at the Delmonico Café and Catering restaurant located at 375 Lexington Avenue; the front doors were forced open and a cash register was broken into.
Incident #6: Saturday, March 12, 2011 at approximately 8:45 p.m. at the Deli & Grocery store located at 325 2nd Avenue; the security gate was broken open and cash was taken.
Incident #7: Sunday, March 13, 2011 at approximately 1:28 a.m. at the Eastern Image Day Spa located at 1169 2nd Avenue; the security gate was damaged.
Incident #8: Sunday, March 13, 2011 at approximately 2:30 a.m. at the Beijing Wok restaurant located at 1324 2nd Avenue; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #9: Friday, March 25, 2011 at approximately 3:30 a.m. at the Mike's Papaya located at 132 East 23rd Street; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #10: Thursday, March 31, 2011 at approximately 9:15 p.m. at the Chris Mitchell Studio beauty and nail salon located at 90 7th Avenue; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #11: Thursday, March 31, 2011 at approximately 11:30 p.m. at the Legend Bar and Restaurant located at 88 7th Avenue; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #12: Thursday, April 7, 2011 at approximately 11:00 p.m. at the Pita Grill restaurant located at 441 3rd Avenue; the security gate was cut and a cash register was broken into.
Incident #13: Friday, April 8, 2011 at approximately 12:05 a.m. at the Danglai Palace restaurant; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #14: Saturday, April 9, 2011 at approximately 7:30 p.m. at the 23rd Street Bagels store located at 170 West 23rd Street; the security gate was cut, and cash and lottery tickets were taken.
Incident #15: Sunday, April 10, 2011 at approximately 1:05 a.m. at the Didi Dumpling restaurant located at 38 Lexington Avenue; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #16: Friday, April 15, 2011 at approximately 6:00 p.m. at the Lexington Flower Shop located at 669 Lexington Avenue; the security gate was cut and cash was taken.
Incident #17: Saturday, April 16, 2011 at approximately 2:50 a.m. at the Fresh and Company restaurant located at 681 Lexington Avenue; the security gate was cut and a cash register was searched.
You can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting your tips to CRIMES (274637), and then entering TIP577.
