A Queens family experienced a terrifying ordeal after two men dressed as Amazon delivery workers forced their way into the family’s home, tied them up, and robbed them at gunpoint. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is now investigating the incident and looking for the suspects.
The home invasion happened on Sunday, June 2, around 5 p.m. in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, according to NYPD.
The two suspects were wearing vests with the Amazon logo, and one of them carried a package in his hand to appear more believable. When a 60-year-old woman opened the door, thinking it was a normal delivery, the men pushed their way in with a gun.
Once inside, they forced the woman and three other people — a 65-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, and a 15-year-old girl — into a bedroom. The suspects tied them up with zip ties and held them at gunpoint. The victims were helpless as the suspects searched the home for money and valuables.
Police said the robbers took about $7,500 in cash and several valuable items from the home, including jewelry and phones. After taking what they wanted, the two men ran off. Thankfully, no one was physically hurt during the robbery, though the experience left the family shaken.
The NYPD shared security footage showing the two suspects entering the building. In the video, one man is seen wearing a dark jacket and a blue vest with an Amazon logo on it. He also carries a brown box. The second suspect is seen holding a bag and wearing similar clothing, including a fake Amazon vest.
Investigators believe the suspects used the Amazon uniforms as a trick to lower the family’s guard and gain access to the home. It’s a reminder of how some criminals are now using delivery disguises to commit crimes, especially in residential neighborhoods where people often receive packages.
So far, no arrests have been made. Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects. They’ve released the surveillance footage and are urging anyone who recognizes the men or saw anything suspicious in the area around that time to come forward.
This robbery is part of a troubling trend where criminals use fake delivery uniforms to trick homeowners. With the increase in home deliveries from services like Amazon, experts say it’s important for people to stay alert, even when someone at the door appears to be a delivery worker.
Neighbors in the area say they’re now being extra careful when opening the door. Some have even started asking for deliveries to be left outside rather than opening up to strangers. “It’s scary,” said one resident. “You just don’t know who’s on the other side of the door anymore.”
Police are reminding everyone to check identification if something seems suspicious and to report any strange behavior around their homes. The NYPD is still gathering evidence and reviewing security footage from nearby cameras in hopes of tracking down the suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Calls are confidential, and tips can also be submitted online.
As the investigation continues, this incident stands as a shocking example of how quickly something that seems routine, like an Amazon delivery, can turn dangerous.