A suspect who thought he could get away with stealing a purse in Bensonhurst didn’t expect Shomrim Boro Park volunteers to respond so quickly, even though the area is well beyond their regular patrol zone.

The incident began when Shomrim’s Boro Park hotline received a frantic call from a victim whose purse had just been stolen near Bay 23rd Street and Bath Avenue, deep in Bensonhurst. Although this location is more than 20 minutes away from Shomrim’s main coverage area, volunteers immediately mobilized from Boro Park and headed straight to the scene.

Volunteers spoke with the shaken victim and quickly gathered a description of the suspect before spreading out to canvass the area. Despite not knowing the streets well, Shomrim units set up a wide perimeter covering nearly 20 blocks and stayed in constant contact with the victim to verify details.

Within moments, one sharp-eyed volunteer spotted the suspect roaming through the streets, trying to run away. He followed the suspect’s movements and relayed the exact location to other shomrim volunteers and to the NYPD. The victim had also called 911, and NYPD officers responded immediately.

Working together, Shomrim and the NYPD moved in, recovered the stolen pocketbook, and placed the suspect under arrest.

This incident highlights the vigilance and dedication of Shomrim, who stand ready to protect the community even far outside their usual patrol area.