NEW YORK, N.Y. – The NYPD is asking the public to help identify a suspect wanted in what investigators have classified as a citywide grand larceny hate crime pattern involving thefts at mosques and other locations across New York City.
Police have linked seven incidents dating from October 2024 through July 2026 across the 7th, 52nd, 70th, 75th, 109th and 114th precincts. Five of the seven incidents described by police occurred inside mosques, where the suspect allegedly stole wallets, cash and bank cards from unattended clothing or bags.
In several cases, victims later discovered unauthorized transactions on their bank accounts, according to police. The largest individual thefts reported by the NYPD involved approximately $5,000 taken from a bag inside a mosque in September 2025 and another $5,000 stolen from an unlocked vehicle last month.
- The NYPD has classified the seven linked grand larcenies as a citywide hate crime pattern.
- Five incidents described by police occurred inside mosques between October 2024 and February 2026.
- Police are seeking the public’s help identifying the individual allegedly responsible for the pattern.
Wallets, Cash Stolen From Mosques Across New York City
The earliest incident identified by investigators occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. Oct. 18, 2024, inside a mosque at 1089 Coney Island Avenue.
Police said the suspect entered the mosque and removed a wallet containing credit cards and identification from an unattended jacket. The victim subsequently discovered unauthorized charges on his bank account.
Another theft was reported at approximately 5:20 a.m. March 7, 2025, inside a mosque near 30th Street and 36th Avenue. A wallet containing credit cards, identification and approximately $260 was stolen from an unattended jacket, according to the NYPD.
The victim later discovered unauthorized transactions.
On Sept. 3, 2025, police said the suspect entered a mosque at 203 Forbell Street at approximately 7:55 p.m. and stole a wallet from an unattended backpack.
That wallet contained credit cards, identification and approximately $380, according to investigators. Unauthorized charges were later made against the victim’s bank account.
Two days later, another mosque was targeted.
Police said the suspect entered a mosque at 141-47 33rd Avenue at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sept. 5 and stole approximately $5,000 from an unattended bag before fleeing on foot.
NYPD Says Theft Pattern Continued Into 2026
Investigators have linked two additional mosque thefts from this year to the same pattern.
At approximately 6:50 p.m. Jan. 12, police said the suspect entered a mosque at 35-19 36th Avenue and removed a wallet containing debit cards before fleeing.
The victim later discovered unauthorized bank transactions, according to the NYPD.
The next identified incident occurred Feb. 20 inside a mosque at 2535 Grand Concourse in the Bronx.
At approximately 5:35 p.m., the suspect allegedly removed a wallet containing credit cards from an unattended jacket. Police said the victim subsequently discovered unauthorized charges on his account.
The six incidents through February show a repeated method described by investigators: entering a mosque, locating an unattended jacket, backpack or bag and removing cash, wallets or payment cards.
The NYPD’s designation of the cases as a hate crime pattern is significant, but the Crime Stoppers notice does not explain what evidence investigators believe establishes a bias motivation. The suspect has not been identified or arrested.
Seventh Theft Involved $5,000 Taken From Unlocked Vehicle
The most recent incident differs from the mosque thefts described in the NYPD alert.
Police said that at approximately 10:19 a.m. July 31, the unidentified individual entered an unlocked vehicle parked in front of 110 Delancey Street.
Once inside, the suspect allegedly removed approximately $5,000 before fleeing on foot.
That incident brings the pattern identified by police to seven cases across six NYPD precincts.
Based on amounts specifically disclosed by investigators, at least $10,640 in cash was reported stolen across four of the incidents. That figure does not include the value of unauthorized transactions allegedly made using stolen bank cards.
Anyone with information is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can contact 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Police are seeking the suspect for questioning in connection with the pattern. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Why is the NYPD investigating the thefts as hate crimes?
The NYPD identified the cases as a citywide grand larceny hate crime pattern. The public notice provided by police does not specify the evidence underlying the hate crime classification.
How many mosques were targeted in the alleged theft pattern?
Five of the seven incidents described by police occurred inside mosques. Another involved a mosque-area location, while the most recent involved an unlocked vehicle on Delancey Street.
How much money was allegedly stolen?
Police specifically reported at least $10,640 in stolen cash across four incidents, in addition to wallets and bank cards that were allegedly used for unauthorized transactions.
Sources: NYPD Crime Stoppers wanted alert.
