Uber and Lyft drivers in New York City have been facing a string of targeted robberies since November, with over 20 reported incidents of theft. According to Gothamist, the thieves have been using the ruse of needing to change a destination on the driver's phone to snatch the devices and flee, often on foot, sometimes with a getaway car. The NYPD has said that the robbers also frequently transfer money to themselves, with at least $37,000 stolen in this manner.
These crimes have been widespread, taking place in neighborhoods across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Especially in Queens, where the bulk of the incidents occurred, areas like Jackson Heights and Jamaica saw drivers fall victim to these schemes. As 1010 WINS reported, in some cases, violence accompanied the thefts, with drivers suffering assaults that included punches and kicks.
The NYPD has released images and video of the suspects linked to at least 22 robberies since late November. Tactics include posing as passengers to book rides and then forcefully taking the driver's phone. An instance in Staten Island, highlighted by the Gothamist, involved a knife being pulled on a driver, leading to the transfer of $7,000 from the stolen iPhone. In another reported by 1010 WINS, a driver in Arrochar lost $10,000 through a fraudulent transaction.
In a city where grand larceny has notably decreased this year, down by about 23 percent according to police data, the plight of these gig workers stands in stark contrast. The NYPD is asking anyone with information about the robberies to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline or to submit tips through their website.
