Police beat

Bat man swings at cyclist, takes bike

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Cycling around the city can be a swift mode of getting from Point A to Point B. But cyclists need to watch out — not just for erratic motorists and opening car doors, but also violent thieves.

A 54-year-old told police he left his bike on the sidewalk at West 225th Street and Broadway in Marble Hill around 2 a.m., Oct. 25, before heading off to buy something at a corner store.

When he emerged, another fellow — described by police as around 20 years old, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, with black hair, rocking an Afro and a gray sweater — asked him what he was doing there, ordered him to get off his bike, and took a swing at him with a bat, according to a report. That sent the older man running toward West 231st Street.

The bike’s owner wasn’t hurt, police said.

The attacker, meanwhile, sped off with the bike — described as a gray GT bicycle worth $500 — to parts unknown.

Security cameras at that corner could help cops track down the bat bearer.

Police are investigating the robbery.

 

Windshield thrasher targets Mercedes

The driver was fine, but she can’t say the same for her Mercedes.

A 52-year-old woman police believe was an employee of the Rite Aid at 541 W. 235th St., in south Riverdale, says she parked her 2012 Mercedes Benz behind the store in the employee parking lot a little before 8 a.m., on Oct. 16. She returned that evening to find someone had done serious — to the tune of $450 worth — damage to her windshield, police said, probably shattering it.

What’s unclear is who committed the criminal mischief, police said — a felony, since the damage exceeded $250.

Security cameras in the area won’t help because they’re reportedly not working.

The case is closed, but cops are on the alert in case the windshield breaker strikes again.

2012 Mercedes Benz, Rite Aid, GT bicycle, Zak Kostro