The NYPD is searching for a man who they say stole a 7-year-old boy’s scooter near Marcy Playground in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Police said it happened around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the corner of Myrtle and Marcy avenues. Investigators say the man walked up to the child and snatched the scooter before taking off.

“It’s very unfortunate. I’m surprised to hear that because we watch out for all children,” said neighbor Hector Bernardez.

Bernardez called it the kind of crime that feels like taking candy from a baby — “heartless and easy.”

“I hope they catch this individual because that’s messed up. A child, a 7-year-old child,” Bernardez added. “It doesn’t matter who, and we’re gonna look out because believe me when I tell you, people look out for the kids around here.”

The suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, white sneakers and a blue medical face mask, police said.

Neighbors who live just blocks away said they were shocked.

“That guy took advantage of the 7-year-old, and Idon’t think it’s right — especially a 7-year-old can’t do anything — so I think it’s really messed up,” said Duccio DiVita.

“Yeah, I never heard anything like that happening around here, so yeah, it’s just not fair. It’s very sad,” said Filoppo DiVita.

Residents say the busy intersection is filled with families heading to and from the playground, which makes the daylight theft even more disturbing.

“It’s a shame — I feel bad for the kid,” Duccio said.

Police said the boy was not hurt. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously.