article_snippet.sent: The incident is the latest involving people dressed up as costumed characters in Times Square, amid claims of sexual harassment and disorder.
article_snippet.sent: Officials said the number of costumed characters in the area, like those pictured, are becoming an increasing problem in New York's .
article_snippet.sent: In recent years there has been a rise in the number of people dressing up in costumes as characters from popular television shows in Times Square, leading to calls for people dressing up in costumes as characters from popular television shows in Times Square to be regulated and forced to apply for a licence costing $175.
article_snippet.sent: Costumed characters are a regular appearance in Times Square, with a number demanding tips .
article_snippet.sent: Costumed characters are becoming renowned for causing disturbances in Costumed characters interaction with members of the public and a crackdown on the issue has been dubbed Operation Sesame Street.
article_snippet.sent: Police have recently been distributing flyers reminding people that Police do not have to pay to pose with Costumed characters, following a number of incidents.
article_snippet.sent: Almost 20 costumed characters were arrested last year for a catalogue of offences.