Alert: Police Seeking Suspect in Security Deposits Thefts

If you or someone you know is looking to rent an apartment in Bed-Stuy, then pay attention: There is a fraudulent real estate agent on the loose.

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect seen in the attached sketch in regards to a burglary pattern involving rental properties within the confines of the 81st Precinct.

The suspect shows apartments that are advertised online that he has no permission or authority to show. After a monthly rental fee is agreed upon, the suspect has the renters sign a lease agreement and accepts a one-month security deposit in cash.

To follow are the dates and locations of each incident between January and February.

Incident # 1 Thursday 1/13/11 0730 hours 128 Lewis Avenue, Brooklyn

Incident # 2 Friday 1/28/11 1500 hours 554 Lexington Avenue, Brooklyn

Incident # 3 Thursday 2/3/11 1530 hours 544 Lexington Avenue, Brooklyn

Incident # 4 Wednesday 3/2/11 1500 hours 831 Monroe Street, Brooklyn

Incident # 5 Wednesday 3/2/11 1540 hours 831 Monroe Street, Brooklyn

Incident # 6 Monday 2/14/11 0800 hours 1215 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn

Incident # 7 Thursday 2/17/11 1500 hours 818 Halsey Street, Brooklyn

Incident # 8 Friday 2/18/11 1200 hours 818 Halsey Street, Brooklyn

The suspect is described as a black male, mid 30's, 5'06" tall, 150 lbs, and he has been seen wearing a light gray oversize Yankee cap.

Anyone with information in regards to the above described incident's is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 577 TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are kept strictly confidential.