The NYPD is on the hunt for two suspects linked to at least seven robberies targeting Uber and Lyft drivers across Brooklyn and Staten Island.
The duo is accused of hailing ride-shares and getting into the cars before requesting the driver’s phone, claiming they want to change the destination — but then using the ruse to try to run off with the cell phone.
Police say the suspects, who hide behind face masks and hoodies, are linked to at least seven incidents that took place between Feb. 26 and March 13, CBS News reports.
During the first crime tied to the pair, the suspects got into a heated argument with the 38-year-old driver before slapping him and fleeing with his cell phone, cops say.
The next day, the suspects targeted another driver and allegedly pressed a sharp object into his back before demanding he hand his phone over, according to police.
Another incident involved the suspects snatching a phone out of a driver’s hands, while one involved them ripping the phone off an attachment on a car vent.
All seven victims were identified as male drivers between the ages of 37 and 68, with none of them suffering serious injuries as a result of the robberies.
The crime spree comes a month after police put out a wanted notice for at least three other suspects believed to be behind 24 robberies targeting ride-share drivers.
In those cases, the suspects also were accused of snatching their drivers’ phones after requesting a change in destination.
The thieves then used the phones to transfer money to an unknown bank account, police said.
The scheme netted the suspects more than $30,000 between July 4, 2022 and Jan. 7, 2024.
It remains unclear if the new duo is related to these suspects.
Anyone with information in regard to the latest incidents is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips on Twitter @NYPDTips.
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