Metro PCS marauders responsible for at least four heists, police say

The gun-toting thieves who knocked over a Homecrest Metro PCS store on Aug. 15 have been quite busy, say police, who claim the two suspects are now responsible for at least three other cellphone store heists.

Investigators said the duo responsible for raiding the Metro PCS on E. 16th Street near Kings Highway also held up a franchise store in Coney Island — twice.

The suspects surprised and bound two employees during their first robbery, where they made off with $1,300. Police say the crooks then set their sight on a Mermaid Avenue Metro PCS, which they raided on Aug. 25.

Police say the suspects followed their established pattern to the letter: they ran in brandishing firearms and tied up employees at the wireless provider between Stillwell Avenue and W. 15th Street, where they stole cash and cellphones.

The suspects enjoyed raiding the Coney Island PCS store so much, they hit it again, returning on Sept. 5, police said, adding that the duo is also wanted for robbing another Metro PCS store in Staten Island on Aug. 31.

Police described the two thieves as black males between 27 and 40. One man has a muscular build and was last seen sporting a baseball cap and carrying a black sack across his back. The second man had salt and pepper hair and often wears a Yankees cap and sunglasses, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.

Reach reporter Colin MIxson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.