A fake food order turned into a late-night robbery on a quiet Freeport block Wednesday, and the entire stickup was caught on a homeowner's security camera.
The video shows three men walk up to a delivery driver's car on Maple Street, grab his wallet and rummage through the vehicle before taking off. Police say the driver was not seriously hurt, but the thieves were gone by the time officers arrived.
Police Review Home Video, Probe Possible Pattern
Nassau County police are investigating the robbery, according to News 12, which published the homeowner's footage and reported the woman who recorded it never placed the order. The outlet says officers told the homeowner the suspects' vehicle was stolen and that detectives believe the incident may be linked to other recent take-downs.
Similar attacks on couriers have surfaced across the metro, including an Amazon driver held at gunpoint in Queens earlier this month.
Home Camera Captures Suspects Moving In
Homeowner Nikole Bohari recorded the clip and told News 12, "This never happens down here, someone getting robbed on a dead-end street." She said police told her the car the suspects used was stolen and that detectives thought they might be responsible for other recent robberies.
The footage also appears to show a third person rifling through the driver's vehicle while two others distract him, turning a routine drop-off into a coordinated grab-and-go.
Restaurants And Neighbors Switch Up Their Routine
Local businesses say the Freeport robbery prompted immediate changes to how they send out drivers. Rocky Napoli, owner of Atlantic Pizzeria, told News 12 that his delivery workers now call the homeowner when they arrive instead of ringing the bell.
Neighbors are also rethinking how they handle takeout. Residents urged customers to wait inside their cars or meet drivers outside, with one advising, "If someone is ordering food, just stay in the car until they come out."
What Police Want From The Public
Nassau County detectives are reviewing the footage and canvassing the area for additional video and witnesses. So far, authorities have not announced any arrests in the Freeport case.
Anyone with information or relevant camera footage is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department.
