Police Asking Public’s Help In Finding Bedford Pk. Home Invader

By Catharina Thuemling

In Bedford Park the police are still investigating a push-in robbery that happened in the afternoon hours on Saturday, September 20.

Fliers have been distributed  to neighbors showing surveillance images of an elderly man in his late sixties walking inside 2955 Grand Concourse in Bedford Park. Police suspect the man invaded the apartment of a 72-year old woman, pushing her to the ground and wrapping his hands around her neck. He then forced her to reveal where her money and valuables were kept. Minutes later he fled.

“It is really surprising, really scary. And it was all only for $300,” said Inspector Nilda Hofmann, Commanding Officer of the Five-Two, detailing the crime at the latest Bedford Mosholu Community Association meeting on Oct. 1.

The victim, who since the incident has moved upstate with her daughter, told police she recognized the perpetrator in the neighborhood.

The suspect is described as dark-skinned, graying hair, last seen wearing a long white button shirt and carrying a white bag.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Steven Sainthilaire at 718-378-8301. Calls will be kept confidential.

Real Estate Con Artist Lurking

The latest rent scam has hit Norwood.

Two separate incidents occurred at 3333 Reservoir Oval recently, according to Inspector Nilda Hofmann. The suspect apparently posted an ad for an available apartment. Victims who responded to the ad showed up outside the building where the suspect, posing as the super or broker, later showed them an empty apartment. The victims then gave a money order to get the keys. When they come back for the keys they find out they were scammed.

In these two cases “each person [was] scammed $4000,” said Hoffman during the Bedford Mosholu Community Association gathering.

This kind of con becomes more and more popular not only not only happens for apartments but also on eBay if one were to buy a car. Hofmann encouraged to spread this practice around.