Police: Woman Pickpocketed People Waiting For 'Hamilton' Stars Outside Richard Rodgers Theatre
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police on Sunday were searching for a woman they said pickpocketed multiple people who were outside waiting to see the performers from the Broadway smash "Hamilton" in Midtown.
Between May 25 and Nov. 6, six people reported having their property removed as they waited for the stars of "Hamilton" outside the Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St.
The suspect used the victims' credit cards to buy about $2,200 worth of merchandise at Macy's, Junior's Restaurant, Rite Aid, Target, Designer Shoe Warehouse, Burlington Coat Factory, and Duane Reade, police said.
"That's very surprising. I wouldn't expect something to happen like that," Julia Allman of Pennsylvania told CBS2's Tracee Carrasco.
"I think it's awful that there's those kinds of people out in the world that want to take advantage of people," said Jamie Marlowe of Pittsburgh.
One of Broadway's great traditions is the post show experience known as stage-dooring -- waiting for the show's stars to make an appearance for autographs after the show.
Barricades are usually set up to keep theatergoers close and in place, creating the perfect opportunity for the crime.
"There's so much clutter, especially for a long-awaited show, that you wouldn't even notice when somebody grazes up in you," said Doug Medrano of Valley Stream, "and it's just a reminder to always check your personal belongings."
Marlowe said she has never stage-doored, "but you have to wait in line to get in, and yeah, people are bumping into trying to get by on the sidewalk, so I would think it's very easy for a pickpocket to happen."
The suspect was described as a black female with black hair and glasses. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, a gray sweater, black pants, and a gray scarf, police said.
Police have released surveillance photos and video.
Anyone with information was asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS or (888) 57-PISTA for Spanish, log onto the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.