The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is currently tracking down three suspects who have been targeting drivers for Uber, Lyft, and Revel, robbing them of their phones, cash, and other belongings. Since November of last year, at least 20 robberies have been committed in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
According to police reports, the suspects typically pose as passengers, ask the drivers to input an address or change the destination, and then seize the driver’s phone or dashboard device before fleeing the scene. They usually escape on foot but sometimes also utilize getaway vehicles.
The suspects have also been using the drivers’ phones to transfer money to themselves, with a total of at least $37,000 stolen. The victims range in age from 20 to 68, with most incidents occurring in Queens, including areas like Jackson Heights, Laurelton, Corona, and Jamaica. Additionally, similar crimes have been reported in East New York and Canarsie in Brooklyn, as well as Tottenville and Arrochar in Staten Island.
One incident took place on January 17 when a suspect threatened a 25-year-old driver with a knife on Gansevoort Boulevard in Staten Island, stealing his iPhone and transferring $7,000 through the phone. Another robbery occurred on January 8 when a 44-year-old driver had his phone stolen, and $10,000 was transferred via Zelle.
Police have mentioned that some drivers have also been physically assaulted by the suspects, resulting in minor injuries. A 28-year-old driver was attacked on Shore Parkway in Queens on January 2, sustaining multiple cuts and requiring treatment at Jamaica Hospital.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help apprehend the suspects. Informants can call the New York City Police Department’s Crimestoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477, visit the Crimestoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or submit tips to the NYPD’s official account on X platform @NYPDTips. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.