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NYC home invaders in Amazon uniforms zip-tied woman, 89, held son at gunpoint for measly $24
Three intruders posing as Amazon workers entered a Bronx apartment, held a 70-year-old man at gunpoint and tied up his 89-year-old mother before stealing cash and personal items. The robbery highlights how delivery-worker disguises can be used to gain entry to homes.
The suspects rang the doorbell at about 11.15am on Tuesday, and the son opened the door believing they were his mother’s boyfriend. They took phones, a wallet, credit cards and $24, then fled on foot; both victims received treatment for minor injuries, and police said the suspects had not been caught by Wednesday.
In short
- Three intruders posing as Amazon workers robbed a Bronx home.
- An 89-year-old woman was tied up and her son held at gunpoint.
- The suspects took $24 and personal items, then fled on foot.
Explained simply
In New York City, the Bronx is one of the five boroughs, or districts, that make up the city. Many people live in apartment buildings where visitors may need a resident to let them in.
Delivery uniforms can make someone seem as though they have a reason to visit, but clothing alone does not prove a person works for a delivery company. Residents may check a visitor’s identity or contact the person they are expecting before opening the door.
The people targeted were an older woman and her adult son, who lived together. The incident raises concerns about how criminals can use familiar roles to gain access to homes, and about the safety of older residents.