The iRob trend

The 50th Precinct has identified a pattern of robberies involving the theft of Apple products from individuals walking in the evening hours, in various parts of Riverdale. They believe there are two suspects, who are black males in their late teens or early 20s, and who may be fleeing in a car after trailing the victims.

1. Parkway pounce

On Oct. 17, at 5:55 p.m., police said a female victim was walking south near 4901 Henry Hudson Parkway, when a man approached her with a black handgun in his waistband. 

“Hand me the iPhone,” she reported him saying, before he took the phone and ran south. 

The case remains open.  

2. Independently stealthy

On Oct. 23, at 8:05 p.m., a woman was walking in front of 3056 Independence Ave., coming home from her aunt’s house, when somebody approached her displaying a handgun and forcibly removed her iPhone, police said. 

The case remains open. 

3. Chain gang

On Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. a male was jogging at West 246th Street and Henry Hudson Parkway, when an unknown man approached him with a silver gun in his waistband, police said. The perpetrator is reported to have said “give me your chain,” but the runner was able to run away. 

The case remains open. 

4.  iPad charger

On Oct. 28, at 6 p.m., a man was walking on the sidewalk near 4705 Henry Hudson Parkway, when he was approached by a man with a handgun, who said “gimme the iPad,” police said. He walked the other way and fled in a light gray Dodge Charger. 

The case remains open. 

5. Double team

On Nov. 3, at 6:20 p.m., a victim was walking on the southwest corner of West 235th Street and Riverdale Avenue, when the victim was approached by two men fitting the above description, police said. 

The suspect allegedly stated, “Let me get your iPhone,” and kept holding his waistband.

The victim handed over his iPod and was joined by a second individual who appeared to be a lookout.

The case remains open. 

Items in Police Beat are based on reports of crimes and arrests. Those arrested are not guilty unless they are convicted by a court.