A pair of troublemakers from Queens recently embarked on a weeklong crime spree, targeting individuals for their high-end North Face jackets and stylish shoes. Their method involved approaching victims at knifepoint to demand these prized items.
Authorities report that this duo would encircle their chosen victim, brandishing a knife to intimidate them into handing over their belongings, which included winter coats, sneakers, and other valuables.
Their first known offense occurred on December 12, at 4:20 p.m., when they targeted a 14-year-old near 42-01 99th St. in Corona, stealing his $220 North Face jacket along with other personal items.
Later the same day, about an hour after the initial robbery, they struck again. This time, they relieved a 13-year-old of his backpack, valued at $140, and other possessions near 99-31 Corona Ave.
Three days following these incidents, the fashion-focused thieves reappeared, this time in Elmhurst. At approximately 2:35 p.m., they confronted a 16-year-old near 93-35 Lamont Ave., taking his Jordans sneakers worth $100 and additional valuables.
An hour after this robbery, still in Elmhurst, they approached a 19-year-old near 43-13 Elbertson St., threatening him with a knife and making off with his $330 North Face jacket and other items.
Another 15 minutes and they were back in Corona, where they quickly zeroed in on a young man, 21, near 46-01 102nd St. They once again menaced him with the knife, but this time — with more valuable loot in sight and up against an older victim — they used force, punching him multiple times in the face and body before yanking off his pricey $1,200 Balenciaga sneakers and fleeing. The victim’s injuries did not require hospitalization, police said.
Last but not least, on Dec. 19 around 7:25 p.m., again in their Corona stomping grounds, the two scored a twofer — spotting a young victim sporting both a North Face jacket and Jordans. They swarmed the 14-year-old near 96-23 42nd Ave., absconding with his $280 coat and $270 kicks.
Police gave a description of the young-looking suspects. The first is a male with a light complexion, last seen wearing a black Moose Knuckles jacket, black jeans and white Jordan sneakers.
The second is a male with a light complexion, last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, shorts and black sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. All tips are confidential.
