Thieves Are Targeting This Popular NYC Hotel
New York's Standard Hotel has become the target of a pair of thieves who specialize in snatching plastic from unlocked rooms while guests are sound asleep.
The first reported incident took place on Oct. 2 just before 2am, according to a Canadian victim who, in a sleepy haze, simply thought the duo were hotel staff. The thieves made off with two IDs and a debit card from the Canuck, who didn't realize what took place until the following morning.
The thieves struck again on Oct. 14, this time at 2:30 in the afternoon. This victim was also napping in his room at the time, awaking to discover his debit card and $30 cash missing from the wallet he left on the table.
“Maintaining the safety of our guests is always our primary concern," Sophie Russell the Standard's vice president of hospitality, told TPG in an email. "We are working closely with the authorities as they investigate this matter.”
Gangs of thieves have been known to try to gain access to hotel rooms to steal the occupants' personal items and valuables. The problem is especially rampant in Paris, where authorities were warning tourists of so-called "hotel rats" earlier this year.
As a rule of thumb, always use the chain lock or bar lock when you are inside your hotel room because some skilled thieves know how to pick the electronic door lock. Also, keep any valuables like electronics or passports inside the room's safe.
