Police warn of robberies targeting day laborers in Las Vegas

By Kyle B. Hansen

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 | 11:29 a.m.

Metro Police are warning the public about a string of robberies that have targeted day laborers in Las Vegas.

Police issued a crime alert notice in English and Spanish this morning to warn residents about the robberies.

In multiple cases, the day laborers have been offered work by one or two people in a 1990s tan or gold Ford Expedition, police said.

The day laborers have accepted the work offer and entered the vehicle with the suspects, who drive a short way before pulling over and robbing the victims, leaving them on the side of the road, police said.

The suspects are Hispanic or white men, both between 190 and 250 pounds and between 25 and 40 years old, police said.

Day laborers typically stand near a street corner or near landscaping or construction supply businesses looking for work. They are often hesitant to report crimes because of language barriers and their immigration status, police said.

Authorities said day laborers are also attractive targets to criminals because robbers feel they can intimidate, subdue or overpower them. The victims often are paid in cash, are easily approached alone and robbers can easily flee after the robbery has taken place, police said.

Metro is asking anyone who has information about these crimes to contract the Robbery Section at 828-3591, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.