Police Beat

BY KEVIN DEUTSCH

Violent robbery

1.A 27-year-old woman was punched in the head and dragged along the ground by her necklace when a robber ripped it off her neck in the 2800 block of University Avenue about 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, police said. The woman suffered injuries to her arms and legs, police said. Her chain was worth about $1,000. Police are looking for the robber.

2. Vehicle arson

Three people were arrested on charges of arson in the 50th Precinct after they allegedly set fire to a vehicle on Jerome Avenue and East 233 Street about 8 p.m. on May 27, police said. Two men and one woman, ages 18, 22, and 24, were picked up by police following the crime. Police did not release any information about the motive for the arson.

3. Strongarm robbery

A 22-year-old female was robbed of her necklace, purse, wallet and electronic items in the 2700 block of Kingsbridge Avenue about 5 a.m. on May 25, police said. The strongarm robbers, two females and one male, got away. Police are searching for them. The victim suffered scratches to her neck, police said.

4. Checks stolen

A thief stole a Riverdale resident’s checkbook and made more than $6,000 in purchases with them during the month of May, police said. The victim, 42, told police five checks were used to make the fraudulent purchases. Police have not made an arrest in the case.

5. Fraudulent charges

A 21-year-old Marble Hill resident was victimized by someone who stole his or her debit card and made nearly $200 in unauthorized purchases, police said. The purchases happened between May 13 and May 23, police said. No arrests have been made.

6. Purse theft

A 23-year-old woman had her purse stolen after she left it in her car on Mosholu Avenue at West 254th Street about 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, police said. The victim told police she may have left the car unlocked. Inside her purse was $200 cash and credit cards, she told police. No arrests have been made.

7. Camcorder stolen

A burglar broke into a residence in the 3800 block of Review Place on May 26 sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., police said. The 33- year-old male victim told police a camcorder was stolen. Police are looking for the burglar.

Items in Police Beat are based on reports of crimes and arrests. Those arrested are not guilty unless they are convicted by a court.

This is part of the June 4, 2009 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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