Police Warn Elderly of Scam
Detectives warned elderly residents in the harbor area to beware of a group of thieves who pose as roofers or plumbers.
The hucksters visited at least five homes in the last month and stole $1,900 in cash from a 78-year-old Wilmington woman, said Los Angeles Police Lt. Mike Melton.
The men involved in the scam work in pairs and claim that they are visiting homes to inspect plumbing or roof repairs that they made several years before. One man then takes the homeowner outside to “inspect” the work, while the other searches the house for cash and jewels, Melton said.
“It’s the old distraction scam,” Melton said. “Things like this go on and on and on.”
Detectives are trying to determine how much was taken from a second victim. Three other homeowners informed police that they told the men to leave before they could get inside the house.
Detectives said they are seeking a description and license plate number for the car driven by the men.
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