Dec 13, 2008 8:18 am US/Eastern
'iPod/BlackBerry' Muggers Terrorize West Village
NYC Council Speaker Quinn Puts 9,000 Women On Notice With Warning Letter As NYPD Hunts For Violent Duo
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
They hit in the dark and they are dangerous -- muggers, targeting women in the West Village at night.
So far there have been six attacks. The victims have been attacked from behind, punched and robbed. The two brazen attackers are targeting women in their 20s and with extreme violence they are taking iPods, BlackBerrys and purses.
"It was so scary," said Francesca Serritella. "I couldn't believe it because it wasn't even late."
Serritella remains rattled by what she saw. Walking her puppy on West 11th Street, Serritella crossed paths with a pair of muggers, moments after their bloody assault of a young woman.
"I saw two men," she said. "There were two of them burst into the street and run out into the street and away from her and I heard her cry."
Serritella said she did not get a good look at the two men who police say are responsible for at least six violent attacks in the past few weeks. Each crime happened between 11 p.m. and 2:45 a.m.
The suspects, described only as dark skinned, ran up from behind and targeted young women, including a 25-year-old banker whose jaw was broken.
"There is a pattern that we are looking at," NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said. "We deployed additional resources in the area."
The 6th Precinct's anti-crime unit is on the job with beefed-up patrols.
Now, 9,000 Village residents are getting letters of warning from New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
"Try not to walk alone. If you have a pocketbook with a flap, try to keep the flap on the inside. Don't walk with your keys out. It indicates you're almost home. That's often a tip for someone to target you," Quinn wrote.
With its bright bars and shops, dark streets and no shortage of targets, some are calling this the "Wild" West Village and they're taking precautions.
"I think it's my job to watch where I'm going, be aware of my surroundings," resident Jennifer Yound said.
"I've definitely made some changes," Serritella said. "When I walk [the dog] I don't take my purse anymore. I only take my keys. I just really try to be extra aware."
There will be a community council meeting on the muggings on Dec. 17, in the basement of Our Lady of Pompeii Church on Carmine Street, at 7:30 pm.
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