A trio of armed robbers disguised as deliverymen forced their way into a Colorado home, assaulted two children, and terrorized the family. The incident highlights a concerning new trend in home invasions across the country.
In a chilling home invasion that has sent shockwaves through the community, a trio of armed robbers posing as deliverymen barged into a Colorado family's home, leaving two children traumatized and the parents horrified. The incident has raised concerns about a potential alarming new trend in home invasions, as authorities across the country warn homeowners to be vigilant.
The terrifying ordeal unfolded on June 12 in Aurora, Colorado, about 10 miles from downtown Denver. According to the Aurora Police Department, the robbers approached the home wearing bright orange vests and carrying boxes, claiming they had a package to deliver.
Armed Robbers Disguised as Deliverymen Terrorize Colorado Family, Assault Children
When one of the residents opened the door slightly, the man wearing the vest immediately forced his way in, followed by two accomplices. Ring camera footage captured the horrifying scene as the men, one of whom was armed with what appeared to be a gun, stormed into the home and began ransacking it.
The children, a 14-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, were shoved to the ground and assaulted. The teen girl was touched inappropriately, and the boy was left sobbing and crying for his mother. The babysitter who was watching the children was also shoved.
Armed Robbers Disguised as Deliverymen Terrorize Colorado Family, Assault Children
The thieves netted jewelry and cash during the roughly one-minute ordeal, which left the family shaken and terrified. The mother of the children said she was deeply frightened by the attack and fears long-term damage to her kids.
"My son is traumatized," she told KDVR. "He's having nightmares. He's afraid to be alone. He's afraid to leave the house."
Armed Robbers Disguised as Deliverymen Terrorize Colorado Family, Assault Children
The Colorado home invasion is the latest in a string of robberies involving fake delivery workers. In Indiana last year, a burglar posing as a DoorDash driver was killed when the homeowner pulled out a gun and shot the intruder. In New York City in November, a pair of armed robbers posed as deliverymen and forced their way into a home, stealing $70,000 in valuables.
Retired NYPD Sgt. Joseph Giacalone, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said that this tactic is becoming more common as criminals look for new ways to gain access to homes. "These guys are always looking for a new way to get into your house, and I'm sure police are very worried about whether this is a growing pattern," he said.
Armed Robbers Disguised as Deliverymen Terrorize Colorado Family, Assault Children
Giacalone advises homeowners to be vigilant and to verify the identity of delivery persons. "If someone knocks on the door saying you need to sign for a package request to see their ID, whether through a window, a peephole or a door camera," he said.
Police departments across the country have also issued warnings to homeowners, urging them to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity. In Connecticut last year, a fake deliveryman donning an orange fluorescent vest and clutching a manila envelope tried to storm into a home with a gun, but the owner shoved him and slammed the door.
Armed Robbers Disguised as Deliverymen Terrorize Colorado Family, Assault Children
The Colorado family is now trying to pick up the pieces after the terrifying ordeal. They have installed additional security measures and are seeking therapy for the children. However, the emotional scars of the home invasion will likely linger for a long time to come.
"We're just trying to get back to normal," the mother said. "But it's hard when you feel like your home is no longer safe."
Armed Robbers Disguised as Deliverymen Terrorize Colorado Family, Assault Children
