Push-in robbery in Hewlett

By Michael Orbach

A Jewish family in Hewlett had a terrifying experience when two men dressed as utility workers pushed their way into a home and tied up the owner and the housekeeper. The men made off with what was reported to be $100,000 in cash and jewelry in what police believe was a targeted robbery.

The men knocked on the door of a home across the street from the Franklin Early Childhood Center, near Yeshiva of South Shore, at about 10:00 a.m. last Wednesday, and identified themselves as Con Edison workers, according to Detective Anthony Repalone. When the housekeeper opened the door slightly, the men forced their way in and tied her up. The homeowner heard the scuffle, and emerged from his bedroom. He struggled with the two men before he, too, was restrained. No weapon was used in the robbery, Repalone said. One of the suspects appeared to be in his 40s, the other in his 20s. The men fled in a non-descript blue van.

Mark Zimmerman, a neighbor who arrived home after the robbery, said he was surprised. “This is a quiet street, nothing happens here,” he said.

After the robbers were gone the homeowner and housekeeper freed themselves and called police. Neither was injured, though they suffered minor contusions. Repalone said the men left ten minutes after the robbery and said he believed the family was singled out in advance for the robbery.

“Right now we have no other similar crimes in this area, it appears this was a targeted incident,” he explained.

The owner’s wife was not home during the robbery and the couple’s three children were in school at the time. The homeowner declined to speak to reporters other than to say that he was “okay.”

Hours after the robbery reporters were still gathered outside the home with a large wooden mezuzah and several luxury cars in the driveway. Singing could be heard coming from the Franklin Early Education Center.

Mara Stulberger of Woodmere, a student teacher who was at the school during the robbery, said she didn’t hear a thing.

“Nothing is ever going on here,” she said.

Repalone said he would be working with the homeowners to identify the men and cautioned others to be cautious.

“If you’re not expecting someone to come to your home or you don’t have an appointment with a utility worker or cablevision or any sort of home improvement - and you’re not expecting someone to come to your home, don’t open the door,” he said. “Ask for a contact number and call the company. Don’t open the door unless you expect it and even if you do, verify it.”

By Michael Orbach

A Jewish family in Hewlett had a terrifying experience when two men dressed as utility workers pushed their way into a home and tied up the owner and the housekeeper. The men made off with what was reported to be $100,000 in cash and jewelry in what police believe was a targeted robbery.

The men knocked on the door of a home across the street from the Franklin Early Childhood Center, near Yeshiva of South Shore, at about 10:00 a.m. last Wednesday, and identified themselves as Con Edison workers, according to Detective Anthony Repalone. When the housekeeper opened the door slightly, the men forced their way in and tied her up. The homeowner heard the scuffle, and emerged from his bedroom. He struggled with the two men before he, too, was restrained. No weapon was used in the robbery, Repalone said. One of the suspects appeared to be in his 40s, the other in his 20s. The men fled in a non-descript blue van.

Mark Zimmerman, a neighbor who arrived home after the robbery, said he was surprised. “This is a quiet street, nothing happens here,” he said.

After the robbers were gone the homeowner and housekeeper freed themselves and called police. Neither was injured, though they suffered minor contusions. Repalone said the men left ten minutes after the robbery and said he believed the family was singled out in advance for the robbery.

“Right now we have no other similar crimes in this area, it appears this was a targeted incident,” he explained.

The owner’s wife was not home during the robbery and the couple’s three children were in school at the time. The homeowner declined to speak to reporters other than to say that he was “okay.”

Hours after the robbery reporters were still gathered outside the home with a large wooden mezuzah and several luxury cars in the driveway. Singing could be heard coming from the Franklin Early Education Center.

Mara Stulberger of Woodmere, a student teacher who was at the school during the robbery, said she didn’t hear a thing.

“Nothing is ever going on here,” she said.

Repalone said he would be working with the homeowners to identify the men and cautioned others to be cautious.

“If you’re not expecting someone to come to your home or you don’t have an appointment with a utility worker or cablevision or any sort of home improvement - and you’re not expecting someone to come to your home, don’t open the door,” he said. “Ask for a contact number and call the company. Don’t open the door unless you expect it and even if you do, verify it.”