“If you see something, steal something”
“If you see something, say something” is a New York anti-terrorism slogan. “See something, steal something” is a variation that was posted on Twitter on March 24, 2010. “If you see something, steal something” was posted on Twitter on October 2, 2011.
In September 2016, thieves in Manhattan attempted to steal a duffel bag that (unknown to them) contained a bomb. “If you see something, steal something” went viral as a joke New York City slogan.
Wikipedia: 2016 New York and New Jersey bombings
On September 17–19, 2016, there were three bombings or bombing attempts in the New York metropolitan area, specifically in Seaside Park, New Jersey; Manhattan, New York; and Elizabeth, New Jersey.
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Investigators discovered surveillance video that showed a suspect planting a bomb, later identified as Rahami, on West 23rd Street in Manhattan, then walking to West 27th Street dragging a duffel bag. The subject left the bag at West 27th Street. Later, two individuals took the pressure cooker bomb out of the bag and left the scene. Authorities determined that the two men who had taken the bomb out of the bag were, most likely, scavengers who had only wanted the duffel bag and did not know what they had been handling; in the process, they might have deactivated the bomb in the bag. The NYPD and FBI wished to talk with these men, who were considered possible witnesses but were not suspected in helping plant the bomb.
Twitter
Queen
@23PoundsDown
#sometimesiwonder why @twitter gives you dumb fucks the ability to change your name. hos are so unoriginal.. see something, steal something.
3:08 PM - 24 Mar 2010
Twitter
William Mullin
@williammullin
If you see something, steal something.
12:02 AM - 2 Oct 2011
Manhattan, NY
Twitter
michellekucsma
@michellekucsma
To the men who took off with the duffle bag-if you see something, say something,not if you see something, steal something @Morning_Joe
7:15 PM - 18 Sep 2016
Newsday (Long Island, NY)
New Yorkers see pressure cooker bombs, walk away with a new suitcase
September 19, 2016 3:05 PM
By Lane Filler
If you see something, steal something. That ultra-cynical but oh-so New York motto may have saved some lives Sunday.
The post-9/11 mantra, “If you see something, say something,” got turned upside down this weekend.
According to media reports, two improvised explosives believed to have been built and left in separate locations by Chelsea explosion suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami were discovered, and one was disabled, by people rifling through the bomb bags for booty.
Twitter
Theo Lane
@theolane
new motto for NYC: “If you see something, steal something”
1:57 PM - 19 Sep 2016
Twitter
minina
@mininatechsec
“As New Yorkers know, if you see something, steal something.” @StephenAtHome right now, discussing pipe bomb suspect.
10:39 PM - 19 Sep 2016
The Week
Stephen Colbert congratulates New Yorkers on not being terrorized
September 20, 2016
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Noting that at least one of the bombs was apparently disabled when two guys stole the suitcase it was hidden in, Colbert said of course it was, “because as all New Yorkers know, if you see something, steal something.”
Twitter
Peter Roff
@PeterRoff
New DeBlassio anti-terror slogan for NYC: SEE something, STEAL something. #tcot #inoverhishead #embarassment
11:52 AM - 20 Sep 2016
The Times-Tribune (Scranton, PA)
See something? Steal something
BY LANE FILLER / PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
If you see something, steal something.
That ultra-cynical but oh-so New York motto may have saved some lives Sunday.
The post-9/11 mantra, “If you see something, say something,” got turned upside down this weekend.