Sidekicks Being Stolen On The T
BOSTON (WBZ) ― If you like to text when you ride the T, you might want to keep a tighter grasp on your Sidekick.
The pricey T-Mobile devices that are popular with kids are the new prime target for thieves.
So far this year, they’ve snatched 23 Sidekicks from the hands of unsuspecting T riders - most of them teenagers.
One robbery was at gunpoint.
“Basically they have their heads down,” said Transit Police Sgt Michael Rutledge.
“They’re not paying attention to their surroundings and people are taking advantage of that opportunity. When the train doors or bus doors open they’ll snatch the cell phone or Sidekick and run off with it.”
Transit police are now making the rounds in T stops handing out leaflets, warning kids to be careful.
Deli Tejeda, 17, told WBZ he doesn’t think twice about using his Sidekick at the Roxbury Crossing station, but will now.
“I’ll be more careful like of my surroundings,” he said.
The MBTA is recommending that people don’t talk or text on buses and trains to reduce the risk of robbery.
“Pay attention to your surroundings constantly look up every now and then from when they’re texting to see if anyone’s watching them waiting for that opportunity,” Rutledge said.
There have been no arrests.
If you have been a victim of theft or have information about any incidents, call the Transit Police at 617-222-1212.
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