By Matt Kawahara and Bill Lindelof
mkawahara@sacbee.com
Sacramento police are warning citizens about a burglary scheme that has been used successfully at five residences of elderly victims in the last two weeks.
Police say the thieves in these burglaries are two male adults posing as utility or construction workers checking residences for sewage leaks, according to a police department news release.
The burglars separate and, while one suspect distracts the victim and keeps him or her outside, the other suspect enters the residence and steals money, jewelry and other property.
One thief is described as a male Hispanic adult, 30 to 40 years old, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, heavy set with short black hair.
The other thief is described as a male white adult in his 40s, 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a medium build and short light brown hair, the release states.
The suspects appear to communicate with each other during the burglaries with cellphones, according to the release.
Victims in the five burglaries have been elderly, the release states.
The crimes have been committed in the following locations, all in the afternoon: the 2100 block of Fruitridge Road on March 29; the 5500 block of Carmela Way on March 24; the 6000 block of Westview Way on March 23; the 3000 block of Kroy Way on March 23; and the 2000 block of Stover Way on March 17.
Victims have describe the thieves' vehicles as a dark green smaller sports utility vehicle, a small black sports utility vehicle and a black full-size pickup truck with a black camper shell.
Police remind residents to be cautious opening their door for strangers, to lock windows and doors when away from the house and to call police if something seems suspicious.
Police also urge anyone with information about these crimes to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or to text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter SACTIP followed by the tip information.
Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.
KTXL: Burglary suspects targeting the elderly
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