Police are searching for a man who allegedly poses as a police officer in order to steal cell phones from vulnerable teenagers.
The suspect has targeted five different teenagers in the Bronx, police said. He'd approach a teen on his or her cell phone, say that he is a police officer and that he needs to see the phone to make sure it hasn't been stolen.
He'd then walk away with it, get into his car and drive off, according to authorities.
The victims range in age from 14 to 18. The first incident happened in May, said police. The most recent one was two weeks ago in St. James Park on Jerome Avenue.
Parents say it's a wake-up call for kids.
"It just goes to show you how perpetrators are targeting younger kids and their vulnerabilities," said Nikki Horton of University Heights. "It just makes me more aware that I need to talk with my kids and let them know not to be easily taken advantage of."
Anyone who recognizes the man in the police sketch is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.
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