Summer=crowds. Protect your stuff. We @ 24 r not the fashion police but fanny packs present a special case. pic.twitter.com/OuyuaTL33U
— NYPD 24th Precinct (@NYPD24Pct) July 22, 2015

New York’s latest crime spree has everyone from fashionistas to the NYPD crying foul.
Last month, the Upper West Side’s 24th Precincttweeted a photo of an offender wearing a fanny pack two ways: worn on the back was dubbed “hideous and vulnerable”; attached in the front, the accessory was labeled “hideous but protected.”
The tweet served as a wake-up call for tourists who could be targets for pickpockets. It read:
“Summer=crowds. Protect your stuff. We @ 24 r not the fashion police but fanny packs present a special case.”

Who knew New York’s Finest had such strong sartorial opinions?
Mark DeMayo spent 20 years on the force, retiring three years ago from the 26th Precinct’s detective squad in Harlem. He dishes that off duty, he was quite the savvy dresser.
“I was very into clothes. I spent way too much money shopping,” DeMayo, 48, tells The Post. “One time I got a pair of $300 Prada shoes. I like to be fashionable.”

And certain precincts produce more passionate clotheshorses than others.

“They say the detectives who work downtown are the guys in nice custom suits, pinky rings,” says the cop-turned-comedian. “You can always tell the [detectives] from nice precincts. If you take a report on the Upper East Side, you have to look good. The people won’t take you seriously if you look like crap.”

Maybe we should take style tips from New York’s Finest. DeMayo, whose show “

The Broccoli Murder, DiCaprio Dance and Other True Stories From My 20 Years as a NYC Cop

” will be featured in this month’s Fringe Festival, cracks down on crimes of fashion.

This carefree carouser in Midtown pairs her fanny pack with a cute bag. DeMayo gives the tote a thumbs up.

“It’s a gym bag — it’s sporty and she looks cool,” says DeMayo. “And she’s wisely holding it close.” While she gets sartorial points taken off for the fanny pack, DeMayo approves from a security stance: “As unsightly as it is, wearing it in the front is the safest way to go.”

This dad spotted in Midtown clearly passed on his pro fanny-pack knowledge to his son.

“This father and son look like native New Yorkers — like they know their way around, thus the over-the-shoulder, front man-pack,” DeMayo says. “They’re keeping it real.” DeMayo says if you must wear a fanny pack, this is the safest way to do it.

While attempting to snap the perfect photo, one woman gets creative by spinning her backpack around to her front. DeMayo says this look is a fashion faux pas but might be effective in scaring off pickpockets.

“She’s either carrying bowling balls or severed heads in that front backpack. As a cop, I’m scared to think what could be in there,” DeMayo says. “Native New Yorkers are not taking any chances — they’re giving her ‘selfie space.’”

The NYPD’s tweet deemed fanny packs worn on the front to be protected from sticky fingers, but DeMayo says this woman’s accessories are keeping her safe for another reason.

“Nothing says ‘I’m ready to take in all of NYC’ more than a polka-dot fanny pack and NYC subway map,” he says. “How could anyone have the heart to rob this innocent-looking tourist?”

This woman, spotted in Midtown, manages to make her fanny pack look surprisingly chic. And her stance proves she’s a tough cookie.

“Perfect — I wouldn’t change a thing,” DeMayo says. “Her waist purse looks cool, and safety-wise, she can take care of herself. She’s either an off-duty cop or married to a cop. No one’s messing with her.”

This duo, shot in Midtown, sports matching souvenir shirts and fanny packs worn backward — a double target.

“Pickpockets drool when they see [this],” DeMayo says. “The worst way to wear a fanny pack? Slung over the shoulder, like this! Fanny packs should never be worn on the fanny. It’s very easy to steal them. You can be at a light, and someone can snatch it, or a pickpocket can unzip it and take your wallet without you even realizing.”

DeMayo says this happy-go-lucky guy enjoying a beautiful summer day in the city should mind his open bag.

“All bags should be zipped,” DeMayo says. “You’re inviting trouble if you leave your bags open.”

It may look like this woman is neglecting her wide-open pocketbook, but DeMayo says don’t be so sure.

He says: “Experienced New York muggers know: If it looks this easy, she’s probably an undercover detective from the Decoy Unit.”

DeMayo says this woman sauntering through Union Square needs to get street smart — and stop texting on her phone with her bag swinging wide open.

“Someone needs to remind Lara Croft of ‘Tomb Raider’ to pay attention to her surroundings,” DeMayo says. “She’s in New York City, not in the Temple of Osiris.”

“New York City’s gun laws are so strict, even Iron Man has to conceal his weapon,” DeMayo jokes about one of Midtown’s costumed characters who pairs a fanny pack with his ensemble. “Maybe Iron Man has Ant-Man in there?”