It’s back-to-school time, which means hardened hustlers have a fresh crop of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed young things willing to stop, chat, and be talked into buying a genuine Movado watch for $20. (They don’t call it St. “Marks” Place for nothing.) And that steady hum you hear? That’s the sound of CD burners whirring.
According to an alert from NYU’s public safety department, two students were robbed by a group of “CD bullies” at the corner of Broadway and 10th Street on Sunday, at around 3:10 p.m. Here’s a description of the incident — the latest of several.
The first victim was approached and surrounded by three unknown men who handed him a CD, then grabbed his arm and demanded payment for it; the victim gave them $35. The second victim approached the first to assist him and was surrounded by three other unknown men who offered him a CD and demanded payment. The victim gave the men $2. One of the men grabbed the second victim’s shoulder and demanded more money, which the victim refused to provide. The six perpetrators left the area heading west on 10th Street. The victims contacted NYU Public Safety and files reports with the NYPD.
According to NYU, similar incidents have recently occurred during the daytime on Broadway between 4th and 10th Streets, and all of the NYU students targeted were Asian men. Students are advised: “If a stranger attempts to hand you a CD, don’t accept it — just shake your head and walk away.” Unfortunately if U2 foists music on you, via iTunes, you’re stuck.