A 16-year-old boy was robbed in Central Park in broad daylight — the latest victim of a crime spree that has parkgoers on edge, police said Sunday.
The teen, the 19th Central Park victim this year, was sitting on a bench near 79th Street and East Drive at around 4 p.m. Saturday when a man sat next to him and started to chat.
After a short conversation, the man took the boy’s money, $18, and fled from the park. He did not show any weapon.
The victim went home and told his parents, who filed a police report.
People in the area last night were nervous.
“It’s scary,” said Delia Barboza, as she wheeled her baby girl near Columbus Circle. “I wouldn’t feel safe walking deep in the park at night.”
Anthony Nascondiglio, 22, was walking into the park with four friends at about the same time.
“We’re traveling in a group,’’ he said. “No one’s gonna mess with all of us.’’
One of his pals disagreed.
“Well, unless they have a gun,’’ he said.
“They can definitely have my money if they have a gun.’’
Other recent robbery victims include a 17-year-old mugged by two other teens near Heckscher Playground and a 69-year-old man robbed near 77th Street and Center Drive.