Groups of youths riding bicycles have been attacking and robbing pedestrians in New Haven and police are vowing to stop them.
Police told the New Haven Register the bike packs have been roaming the Fair Haven neighborhood, often targeting the large population of undocumented workers who live in the area.
The Register reports that undocumented workers are likely being targeted because those who do not have paperwork to set up a bank account often carry large amounts of cash.
The gangs will roll up to victims, beat them up and rob them, before riding away, police said.
"I think our community is targeted because the assailant thinks they are an easy target because of their status," Father James Manship, of St. Rose of Lima, said.
Police Sgt. Tony Zona said officers are saturating the area with patrols and they plan to take pictures and videos of any bicycle packs and seize bikes when they can.
Yale Police Chief Ronnell Higgins said his officers also have seen a problem downtown.
They have stopped four or five packs and seized several pellet guns, he said.
