Delivery workers face repeated incidents of bike thefts

Delivery workers are gathering every night to support each other against the surge of incidents of thefts faced by them. It all started when at 9:30, 7 nights in a row, Vincent Carrasco stands on his balcony and cheers for the delivery workers who pass by in other to ensure that they know that someone is looking out for them. Carrasco who is a delivery personnel himself, did this to prevent thefts and other acts against delivery workers. Soon he was joined by other like-minded workers who got the word through Facebook and WhatsApp groups. 

The same has been happening in other desolated places within the State. Due to what is claimed as the New York Police Departments's inadequate response to crimes, delivery workers have taken it upon themselves to protect each other. They form teams that patrol areas where workers feel most threatened.  One evening when Carrasco was returning after completing a delivery, he was alerted by the presence of two men who were standing at the end of an isolated street, Carrasco immediately fled the place and was unharmed. This incident triggered him to think about the safety of delivery workers especially since it's not something they can avoid doing. Carrasco and his friend Jose Nevares decided to patrol the streets. Delivery workers often use electric bikes that cost more than $3,000 and replacing one will include more than a month's salary, theft of such bikes had increased in the city. Carrasco and Nevares created a Facebook group named "Delivery Boys en Accion NY" and a 250 member WhatsApp group, they used these platforms to spread the word about patrolling. There are many other such groups available. The members keep watch over dangerous areas, track stolen bikes, and also organizes safety campaigns and rallies.  

Source: The New York Times