Robbers Dupe, Sucker Punch Food Delivery Drivers in Woodridge

Police say last week's armed robbery of a pizza delivery man in Willowbrook may have been the latest such incident, but was certainly not the first that's recently occurred in Chicago's metropolitan area.

Robbers have used an identical hoax to target food delivery employees in Westmont, Woodridge, Oak Brook Terrace, and Lake Hinsdale Terrace, according to a crime alert from Willowbrook police. The local stickup occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 24 near Honeysuckle Road and Lilac lanes.

READ: Police: Willowbrook Robbers Pull Handgun on Pizza Man

Police say the crooks have been calling in delivery orders to apartment complexes and omitting apartment numbers when doing so.

"The caller usually uses only a first name or a simple name such as 'John Johnson'," police said. "The caller states to 'call me' upon the delivery arrival and leaves a phone number to call."

When the delivery driver arrives, he or she is approached by between one and four robbers, who police say are usually black boys or men between the ages of 16 and 20 years old.

"The offender asks the delivery person if he or she has change for a $100 (bill)," the crime alert said. "If the delivery person takes out cash, the offenders take the money and leave."

Police say that in one incident where the driver didn't show cash, the robbers socked the delivery driver and ran off with the food. The Willowbrook incident involved a handgun.

"The Willowbrook Police Department is making information known to you and your business for the safety and well-being of your employees," the alert said. "If you receive such a call, we would ask you to take safety and caution in consideration as you follow your store's policies and procedures for such incidents."