A brazen heist in Queens has left a local jewelry store owner reeling after thieves made off with a staggering $3.2 million in jewels and cash from his home. The New York Police Department is seeking assistance to identify three men they believe are responsible for the burglary, which occurred in broad daylight. According to Gothamist, the incident happened near 160th Street and 84th Drive in Jamaica Hills at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.
The suspects, who appeared to disguise themselves as construction workers, forced a rear door to gain entry and subsequently fled in a blue Hyundai Elantra with the stolen goods. One of the men sported a face covering and eye protection, while the rest were attired in black and neon construction vests along with white hard hats. Police have released images of the suspects and are urging anyone with information to get in touch with the Crime Stoppers hotline.
In an alarming revelation, this was not the first time the victim, who has requested anonymity, has been targeted. In an exclusive interview with PIX11, the store owner recounted a previous break-in at his jewelry store in December 2024. That earlier theft involved sledgehammer-wielding individuals who nabbed $800,000 worth of merchandise. The NYPD described the sledgehammer incidents as a "citywide pattern," noting a similar attempted break-in in Brooklyn.
The most recent burglary saw the thieves successfully lifting a heavy safe which was not bolted to the floor. I "was surprised the three thieves managed to lift the heavy safe and put it into their car," the victim confided to PIX11. The safe reportedly contained mostly his daughter's jewelry and cash. Law enforcement officials have not established a direct link between the current theft and the previous sledgehammer incident, but investigations are ongoing. The public is encouraged to contribute any relevant information by contacting Crime Stoppers.
