Chicago

Video Shows Food Delivery Person Hungry for a Heist

A food delivery person featured in a recent NBC 5 investigation and seen on video stealing property from a Near North Side condo building in September, is now charged with pulling a similar heist in July.

Tyrone Robey, 24, of Chicago was arrested for theft on September 22 stemming from an incident that occurred on July 20 at a West Loop high-rise condo building. According to that building’s property manager, a man checked-in as a representative of DoorDash and delivered food before he entered the garage and left with a resident’s bicycle.

The property manager, who asked not to be identified by name, said she immediately reported the theft to the police and DoorDash.

“I got an email on July 28 saying that they (DoorDash) had let him go,” the property manager said. “So imagine my surprise in October when I see a news story on channel 5 that has the very same guy still as a DoorDash driver.”

Security camera footage from both condo buildings shows the DoorDasher wearing what appears to be the same red backpack.

Chicago police have yet to link Robey to the bicycle thefts that occurred on September 17 at the Near North Side condo building. There, a DoorDasher was caught on video wondering around the garage after making a food delivery. The security footage showed the man in the garage moving several bicycles to the back door. A second man, who was outside, walked to the door, hopped on a bike and rode it away. Moments later, the delivery man left the building with two bikes.

Four bikes were stolen during the September 17 incident. One of the bicycles was later found listed for sale online, according to a tenant who asked not be identified.

“They knew what to look for and they knew how to then take the next step to actually take away the goods and make money from them,” said the tenant.

A CPD spokesperson said detectives have identified a person of interest from the September 17 incident and are continuing to review video evidence and other leads related to the case.

Robey could not be reached for comment. He is due back in court on November 19 for the July incident.

The latest developments leave the property manager questioning whether DoorDash took action after the July theft at her condo building.

“Is he still delivering food to other unsuspecting buildings in this city?” the property manager asked.

A spokesperson for DoorDash said the company takes safety extremely seriously and does not tolerate any form of inappropriate behavior.

“We sincerely regret that our handling of this incident did not meet the high standards we set for ourselves. We have since taken action, including permanently deactivating the Dasher from our platform for failing to follow our code of conduct, and we are working with local law enforcement to help support their investigation,” the spokesperson said.

DoorDash also said it conducts background checks on each of its Dashers nation-wide.

The recent thefts have spurred both West Loop condo buildings to implement changes. Management at one building now requires delivery people to leave their identification at the front desk while tenants at the other are changing their bylaws to require residents to meet delivery people in the lobby.

The National Apartment Association said many non-residents enter properties for various reasons and it is up to each individual to be observant, report suspicious activity and secure their belongings.

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