Thieves on mopeds swipe Apple headphones off victims' heads in NYC spree

NEW YORK - The NYPD is investigating a series of Manhattan robberies where they say thieves on mopeds are swiping expensive Apple headphones right off their victim’s heads.

According to police, 21 incidents have been reported throughout Manhattan, consisting of the suspects riding on mopeds, approaching the victim from behind and removing a pair of Apple Air Pod Max headphones right off their head. The average value of the headphones stolen is $500, police said.

Of the 21 incidents, eight involved men and 13 involved women. No injuries have been reported.

The NYPD is seeking four suspects on mopeds they say swiped Apple headphones off victims' heads in a citywide spree. (NYPD)

Police said all the robberies occurred between 2:10 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. Ten of the robberies also happened on Feb 18 in less than a 3-hour span.

A total of four suspects are being sought. All are described as males with medium complexions. The suspects are riding on two mopeds, one red and one black, with two individuals per moped. The rear passenger on the moped is the one who removes the headphones.

Surveillance video obtained from Washington Square South and LaGuarda Place shows two suspects seen on a black moped. 

Surveillance video captured two suspects seen on a black moped in Manhattan. (NYPD)

Police said the passenger got off the moped holding two pairs of Apple AirPod Max headphones and entered Washington Square Park. 

He's described as a man with black curly hair, medium complexion, medium build, wearing a black bubble jacket and black pants.

One suspect is described as a man with black curly hair, medium complexion and medium build. (NYPD)

The suspect operating the moped then drove into Washington Square Park, police said. He is described as a man with a slim build, wearing a black helmet, a black hooded jacket, black pants and tan shoes.

Another suspect is described as a man with a slim build. (NYPD)

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Here is a list of all of the incidents the NYPD believes are connected:

Incident #1 (10 Pct.) occurred on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 1735 hours at 9 Avenue and West 26 Street and involved a 22-year-old male victim.

Incident #2 (17 Pct.) occurred on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 1612 hours at 3 Avenue and East 58 Street and involved a 29-year-old female victim.

Incident #3 (1 Pct.) occurred on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1550 hours at Wooster Street an Canal Street and involved a 27-year-old female victim.

Incident #4 (9 Pct.) occurred on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1540 hours at East 11 Street and 2 Avenue and involved a 30-year-old female victim.

Incident #5 (6 Pct.) occurred on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1615 hours at 227 Sullivan Street and involved a 29-year-old female victim.

Incident #6 (6 Pct.) occurred on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1649 hours at Morton Street and West Street and involved a 29-year-old male victim.

Incident #7 (13 Pct.) occurred on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1630 hours at 115 West 23 Street and involved a 20-year-old male victim.

Incident #8 (1 Pct.) occurred on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 1715 hours at Reade Street and Church Street and involved a 23-year-old female victim.

Incident #9 (9 Pct.) occurred on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 1715 hours at 3 Avenue and East 9 Street and involved a 41-year-old male victim.

Incident #10 (9 Pct.) occurred on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 1635 hours at 1635 hours at 244 East 14 Street and involved a 29-year-old female victim.

Incident #11 (13 Pct.) occurred on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 1900 hours at Rutherford Place and East 16 Street and involved a 25-year-old male victim.

Incident #12 (1 Pct.) occurred on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 1920 hours at 579 Broadway and involved a 38-year-old male victim.

Incident #13 (6 Pct.) occurred on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 1410 hours at 203 Mercer Street and involved a 20-year-old female victim.

Incident #14 (17 Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1458 hours at East 57 Street and 2 Avenue and involved a 23-year-old male victim.

Incident #15 (MTS Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1440 hours at 6 Avenue and West 37 Street and involved an 18-year-old female victim.

Incident #16 (Central Park Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1445 hours at East Drive and 86 Street Transverse and involved a 34-year-old female victim.

Incident #17 (26 Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1610 hours at 1 Morningside Drive and involved an 18-year-old female victim.

Incident #18 (13 Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1535 hours at 3 Avenue and East 23 Street and involved a 23-year-old female victim.

Incident #19 (MTN Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1440 hours at Madison Avenue and East 59 Street and involved a 26-year-old female victim.

Incident #20 (19 Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1455 hours at Park Avenue and East 77 Street and involved a 21-year-old male victim.

Incident #21 (10 Pct.) occurred on Saturday, February 18. 2023 at 16344 hours at 9 Avenue and West 33 Street and involved a 19-year-old female victim.