Serial Purse Snatcher Stalks City Hospitals
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The police are searching for a serial purse snatcher who is targeting unattended bags and wallets at hospitals in Manhattan.
In a spree that kicked off in early October, the suspect, David Kinlock, has stolen checks, credit cards, and money on five occasions, police said.
His first known theft, which took place October 3 at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, near Columbia University, involved a wallet and credit cards. Mr. Kinlock then used the credit card to make a purchase at a Duane Reade pharmacy at 108th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, about six blocks south of the hospital.
The suspect has committed four more thefts since then, including two at Mount Sinai Hospital in October and November, police said. Most recently, Mr. Kinlock stole credit cards and cash from Columbia University on January 10, police said. He also stole checks in November from the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases near Turtle Bay.
Mr. Kinlock, who is partially bald and stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, dresses well for his robberies, wearing business attire and glasses, police said.
Although police said they could not comment on Mr. Kinlock’s record, the department discovered his identity by connecting police photos to surveillance videos from the hospitals, police said.
