Chinese Food Delivery Drivers Targeted In Queens Car Theft Spree
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are searching for two suspects that are believed to be tied to a series of car thefts targeting Chinese food delivery drivers in Queens.
According to police, the suspects struck when the drivers left their vehicles running unattended as they approached a home for delivery.
Police say the spree started on June 8, when the suspects stole a delivery driver's 2002 Accord while it was parked in front of a home on 149th Drive in Rosedale at around 10 p.m. Police were able to recover the vehicle 30 minutes later, and arrested a 13-year-old boy who was a passenger in the car. Two other suspects fled the scene.
A 2008 Toyota Rav 4, which was reportedly stolen on June 29, was recovered July 6 after a police scanner detected the car's stolen license plate. A 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were charged with grand larceny in this incident.
A third vehicle stolen from a Chinese food delivery driver was recovered on July 17. A 15-year-old girl was arrested after police flagged the vehicle when the girl failed to signal. Two other suspects fled the scene.
Police say eight vehicles were stolen in total. It is unclear if the other cars involved have been accounted for.
The most recent incident occurred on July 26, when three suspects stole a 1999 Nissan Altima from a 31-year-old delivery driver as it sat parked in front of a residence on Craft Avenue in Rosedale.
Police have released surveillance images of the suspects, which can be viewed above.
The NYPD is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 577-TIPS or by logging on to their website at www.NYPDcrimestoppers.com. Tips can remain anonymous.
