by Donald Wood
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Thu February 11, 2016
Depite increased presence from Batman and Spider-Man, crime persists in Times square, this time in the form of harassment by people dressed as Cookie Monster, Minnie Mouse and Olaf from the movie "Frozen."
According to NBCNewYork.com, police officers in Times Square arrested several people portraying popular characters after they were observed continuously harassing tourists and locals for money.
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The incident that sparked the arrest took place when the three characters-Cookie Monster, Minnie Mouse and Olaf-took a photo with a man Sunday. The people inside the costumes asked the man for money and began following him as they demanded payment.
Police are reporting that the three characters blocked the man's path, insisting he pay them the $20 they felt they were owed. When the man handed over $10, police finally stepped in and arrested the three performers for harassment.
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This is not the first incident involving people in costumes harassing tourists. Not only did Spider Man get into a fight with an ice cream vendor when he warned tourists about the charcter's scheme, but popular characters like Woody, the Statue of Liberty, Batman and Elmo have also been arrested for harassment.
In response to the surge of arrests, NBCNewYork.com is reporting Mayor de Blasio has already assigned a task force to the issue and has plainclothes police officers in Times Square to catch the aggressive people in the act.
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