Brooklyn Bridge Park’s new basketball and handball courts are all fun and games — until somebody’s stuff gets stolen.
The new sports facilities have become a hot spot for thefts since they opened in Brooklyn’s front yard in May, according to crime reports. There have been 15 robberies and thefts in the park since June, with eight in August alone, according to this paper’s police blotters. Most of the crimes involved people leaving their stuff unattended, especially while playing basketball or handball, the local top cop said.
“A lot of people, when they’re enjoying the park, leave their bags lying around,” said Capt. Sergio Centa, commanding officer of the 84th Precinct.
That is exactly what happened in the latest reported crime, when a sneak stole a man’s bag inside the park on Oct. 1, police said.
The 30-year-old victim told cops he was near the entrance on Joralemon and Furman streets at 9:55 pm, and left his bag sitting out for five minutes. When he returned the bag, which contained a canteen, debit and credit cards, and a cellphone, was gone, cops said.
Park honchos expect the crowds to get bigger as the amenities expand — and police say the crime will get worse, too.
“It’s something we’ll be looking at as the park continues to grow,” Centa said.
