Police investigate a home invasion in Howard Beach last week.
Following a home invasion in Howard Beach last week, area residents are once again calling for an increase in police presence in a neighborhood where there was also a spate of armed robberies this winter.
According to police, the victim, who owns Bam’s Auto Body in Ozone Park, was startled to discover a white male standing in the hallway of his Howard Beach home around 8:45 a.m. last Wednesday. The suspect, along with two others, tied up the Howard Beach homeowner and stole thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry, the NYPD said.
As of The Forum’s deadline, there had been no arrests in the crime, according to police. Cops continue to search for the three men involved, including two white males and one Hispanic man, who they said are in their late 20s or early 30s. The individuals were wearing masks and gloves during the crime.
Last week’s incident follows two carjackings at gunpoint and an armed robbery of a store on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach in December, and news of the home invasion has alarmed residents who said there needs to be an increase in cops patrolling the Howard Beach area.
“Police presence has been lower in Howard Beach,” said Joe Campisi, a Howard Beach resident and member of the newly formed Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic. “It’s scary, and it’s a big concern of the residents.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-8477. Individuals may also submit tips by texting them to CRIMES – 274637 and then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.
By Anna Gustafson
