Thefts by Con Artists in Role of Repairmen Mount
Con artists who often pose as utility repairmen to gain entry into homes in East Los Angeles have stolen more than $37,000 in cash from at least 23 victims since April, 1989, authorities said Thursday.
About $26,000 was taken in just one of the thefts. Sgt. Dave Tellez said the victims have been mostly elderly Latinos. In the latest reported theft, $1,700 was stolen Tuesday from an 86-year-old woman in the 600 block of La Verne Avenue, just three blocks south of a sheriff’s station.
Tellez said the thieves usually pose a utility repairmen, but have also posed as building inspectors or roofing repairmen. Investigators said the con men mostly operate in teams of two, and in some cases have included women.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
