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Uber and Lyft drivers targeted in robberies across NYC, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Feb 6, 2025
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Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Feb 6, 2025
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The NYPD on Thursday said it was looking for three people who have allegedly been robbing Lyft, Uber and Revel drivers of their phones, cash and other valuables in more than 20 incidents across Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island since November.
In many of the incidents, the suspects entered a ride-hail vehicle, asked the driver to type in an address or change a drop-off location, and snatched the driver’s phone or dash camera before jumping out of the car, according to police. They usually fled on foot but occasionally got into a getaway car, NYPD officials said.
The suspects also frequently used the drivers’ phones to transfer themselves money, stealing at least $37,000 in total, not including the value of the other property they took, according to police. The victims ranged in age from 20 to 68.
The incidents stretch from November of last year to the beginning of February, police said, and the majority happened in Queens, in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Laurelton, Corona and Jamaica. But the suspects also allegedly targeted drivers in East New York and Canarsie in Brooklyn, and in Tottenville and Arrochar on Staten Island.
One of the suspects police say have been targeting ride-hail drivers in a rash of robberies across New York City.
NYPD
The NYPD said that in one of the cases, on Jan. 17, the suspects pulled out a knife and threatened a 25-year-old driver on Gansevoort Boulevard on Staten Island, who then handed over his iPhone. The suspects later transferred themselves $7,000 from the phone, police said.
In another incident on Staten Island, on Jan. 8, the suspects stole a 44-year-old driver’s phone and used the Zelle payment platform to transfer themselves $10,000, according to the NYPD.
Police said the suspects punched and kicked the drivers in some cases, leaving them with minor injuries. A 28-year-old driver was taken to Jamaica Hospital with several cuts after one of the suspects assaulted him on Shore Parkway in Queens on Jan. 2, police said.
Another of the suspects police say they're looking for in the grand larceny pattern.
NYPD
Grand larceny, which refers to the theft of more than $1,000 in property in a single incident, has been trending down so far citywide this year, NYPD data shows. About 23% fewer grand larcenies have been reported through Feb. 2, compared to the same period last year.
Police are asking anyone with information about the robberies to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers website.
This is a developing story based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
brooklyn
staten island
queens
transportation
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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