NEW YORK (BN24)— Three men, two of them disguised as construction workers, broke into a Queens home and stole a safe and jewelry valued at more than $3 million, authorities said Tuesday.
The burglary occurred Oct. 16 at about 2:20 p.m. in the Jamaica Hills neighborhood, police said. Investigators said the suspects forcibly entered the residence through a rear door. Once inside, the men removed a safe along with high-value jewelry, collectively worth approximately $3.2 million, according to an NYPD statement.
Surveillance footage captured the suspects fleeing east on 84th Drive in a blue Hyundai Elantra. Police described one suspect as wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants, black sneakers, a neon construction vest, a white construction hat, eye protection, and carrying a black backpack.
A second man was also disguised as a construction worker, wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants, gray sneakers, a neon construction jacket, a white construction hat, eye protection, a black face covering, and carrying a black backpack. Authorities said the third suspect, who served as the getaway driver, wore a white hoodie, black pants, gray sneakers, and black gloves, and remained behind the wheel of the blue Hyundai Elantra.
Police said the burglary was a carefully planned operation. The suspects’ disguises as construction workers allowed them to move around without drawing immediate attention, officials said. No injuries were reported, and it is not clear whether the residents were home at the time of the robbery.
The NYPD is investigating the incident and urged anyone with information to contact the 113th Precinct. Authorities are reviewing surveillance video and canvassing nearby businesses and residences for additional leads.
The theft is among the largest residential jewelry heists reported in Queens in recent years, highlighting concerns about highly organized burglaries in the city.
