Breaking a mirror is bad luck, but what happens if you steal one?
If you steal enough of them, you tend to get noticed. And if you get caught, you might just need another mirror — so you can look at the guy in the cell next to you as you await your day in court.
A recent rash in side view mirror swipes has put cops from the 78th Precinct on alert.
Officials said that over the last two weeks at least five Mercedes Benz owners have reported that their mirrors were stolen while their luxury cars were parked on Park Slope streets.
Most recently, mirrors were removed from a 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 near the corner of Garfield Place and Prospect Park West sometime between 7 p.m. on February 13 and the morning of February 15.
A few days later, the 47-year-old owner of another Mercedes Benz E320 — this time a 2000 — came to the precinct reporting that someone had made off with her side view mirrors while the vehicle was parked on Montgomery Place.
Deputy Inspector John Argenziano, the commanding officer of the precinct, said cops are “well aware” of the uptick in mirror-snatching.
He said the coveted automatic, heated rear-view mirrors are found on 2000 and 2001 Mercedes Benz cars. The mirrors can carry a price tag of over $500 each.
The five thefts have raised eyebrows – and gotten the swift attention of the precinct.
Argenziano told the 78th Precinct Community Council at its Feb. 25 meeting that his cops would keep a close watch on the area.
“We’re doing operations at some of the shops that sell the mirrors,” he said, referring to auto shops that might receive the mirrors second hand. “Hopefully, we’re going to get these guys,” Argenziano said.
Cops are asking anyone with information regarding these thefts can is urged to come forward.
Calls can be made to the NYPD CrimeStoppers hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
