Food delivery workers in New York City have long been preyed upon by muggers, but with the advent of app-based ordering, many thought they would be less of a target because they usually don’t carry as much cash. In recent months, though, they have fallen victim to a new crime wave: theft of their electric bicycles, which are propelled by batteries and can cost as much as $2,000. Nearly two dozen workers have been attacked, according to the Police Department. The e-bikes were stolen by the same two men, the police said, who ambushed the riders with pepper spray or at knife point. In recent days, two more e-bikes were stolen, though it is not clear whether these thefts are related to the 22 others.

Source: New York Times January 03, 2020 23:31 UTC