87-Year-Old Man Fends Off Attempted Rolex Theft

An 87-year-old man successfully resisted an audacious pair of thieves who attempted to steal his $48,000 Rolex outside a senior center in Gramercy Park. The incident was reported by the victims and police.

At around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Larry Schwartz and Joanna Cuccia, both in their late 80s, approached the Stein Senior Center near their residence. A male suspect, purportedly in his 40s, held the door open and asked Cuccia for directions to a Walmart, which does not exist in New York City. The suspect then led Cuccia outside to the curb where a woman sat in a gray SUV.

Cuccia noticed the woman, who looked about 35, holding chains and bracelets, possibly trying to appear wealthy. As she approached the window, the woman extended her hand for a handshake but instead grabbed Cuccia’s hand, kissed it, and examined her ring and watch suspiciously.

The trouble escalated when Schwartz, who was in the lobby, came outside. The woman immediately fixated on Schwartz’s Rolex, which he has owned for over 40 years and is valued at $48,000. She offered him a cheap-looking fake watch in exchange, which Schwartz recognized immediately as counterfeit. As he examined the fake, the woman managed to flip the catch on his Rolex and attempt to slide it off his wrist.

Schwartz described his quick response: he grabbed her wrist, pulled her body against the window, and twisted her arm, causing her to scream. Despite her resistance, he held on until the suspect in the car revved the engine, prompting Schwartz to release her and retreat to the vehicle, which sped off.

He declined medical attention for minor injuries but shared that his physical fitness and training helped him deflect the theft. Schwartz remarked on the thieves’ blatant brazenness and their lack of fear of being caught, doubting they would face serious consequences soon. Cuccia, experienced in city life, found the encounter shocking and felt more vulnerable than ever, reflecting on recent increases in local crimes.

Crime Trends in the Area

Recent police data indicates a rise in robberies and grand larcenies in the 13th Precinct, which covers the incident site. This year, 124 robberies have been reported—a 19% increase—along with 192 grand larcenies, up 21% from last year.