Boston police release photos in late-night cellphone thefts investigation

Boston police released photos this week in an effort to identify suspects accused of stealing cellphones outside of city nightclubs and bars.

“The pictured individuals and vehicle are for ID wanted purposes,” police said. 

The suspects had allegedly been stealing phones during or after rideshares, by offering unsolicited rides, and by physically or verbally threatening the victims with violence, police announced in late August. 

The suspects allegedly would look over a victim’s shoulders to steal passwords, borrow the victim’s phone to make a call or exchange contact information, or offer to take pictures for the victim, police said. 

Once in possession of the necessary information, the suspects allegedly accessed sensitive information and made unauthorized transactions on credit and debit card accounts, Apple ID accounts, Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, cryptocurrency wallets, and sports betting apps, police said. 

The incidents have been reported in Fenway, Back Bay, Downtown, and the Seaport, mostly between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.

*Updated Photos* BPD Community Alert: Cell Phones Targeted for Financial Crimes Near Bars/Nightclubs (Late Night/Early Morning) https://t.co/kMX9W34Rhj pic.twitter.com/tvf5Fc53yT

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) September 9, 2025