Bodega, supermarket delivery workers targeted in new robbery scheme
A new type of robbery seems to be targeting delivery workers in the Bronx.
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A new type of robbery seems to be targeting delivery workers in the Bronx.
The owner of Amor Supermarket on East 183rd Street in University Heights says it is the latest to fall victim.
"We have to be more careful because now they're making false calls, when you get to the location, they are outside the building they ask for the merchandise and take the money," said Bersania Alba, who has been the owner of the market for 18 years.
Over the last few weeks, Alba says at least three of her delivery workers have been robbed. Alba says these alleged thieves are placing orders for small items like beer, then asking for change for $100 when the delivery worker arrives to the location.
Instead of paying the worker, they are taking their money.
"The delivery guys they don't want to go. They only go if they're inside the building and they get an apartment number too," Alba said.
Francisco Marte is the president of the Bodega and Small Business Group.
"We are the target, the bodegas some restaurants are being targeted in the same situation," said Marte.
Marte says these incidents often go unreported because the thieves are gone before police can respond.
"If you call the police and there is not a knife or gun involved in the incident that happened, they take forever," said Marte.
While it has not been determined if the same people are striking each time, Marte says it appears to be a group of three to four men on scooters, with their identities concealed with helmets and face masks.
Alba says she is limiting deliveries to regular customers and requiring payment before delivery.
