A masked crew of robbers unleashed a wave of chaos across New York City, targeting high-end jewelry stores in Queens and Brooklyn within two days.
The first brazen heist occurred on December 6 at around 6:20 p.m. at Abid Jewelers, located near 37th Ave. and 74th St. in Jackson Heights, Queens.
The robbers, concealed in masks and hoodies, shattered the store’s display window using hammers and sledgehammers, making off with jewelry valued at approximately $800,000. Recalling the harrowing experience, the store’s owner told the Daily News that the robbery happened “so fast,” and noted that he was the only one working at the time. He added that “there were no customers inside” during the break-in.
Two days later, on December 8 around 1:35 p.m., the same crew — this time traveling in a blue Honda Civic — struck another jewelry store near 5th Ave. and Bay Ridge Ave. in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Again, three members leapt from the vehicle and smashed their way into display cases using sledgehammers and hammers.
However, the Brooklyn heist didn’t go as planned. According to police, the attempt was a bust, and the robbers fled the scene in their getaway car before taking any merchandise.
Authorities are now on high alert as the investigation continues, determined to catch the crew behind these audacious, high-stakes heists.