Con Artists Rip Off Glendale Senior
Two scammers posing as utility workers tricked a Glendale man into letting them into his home last week, then stole a big bundle of cash from him during their visit, police reported.
Authorities said the burglary occurred at 12:30 p.m. last Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the victim’s home on 74th Avenue between 62nd Street and 64th Place.
Law enforcement sources are continuing to search for the suspects, one of whom is described as a Hispanic male in his 40s standing 5’8”-tall, weighing 160 lbs. with brown close-cut hair.
His accomplice, police said, was a Hispanic female in her 40s with long, straight brown hair.
According to sources, the 78- year-old man answered the door last Wednesday afternoon to find the two suspects. The male perpetrator reportedly claimed he and his partner worked for the “electric company” and that there was a problem with the victim’s service.
Police said the man let the duo inside his home, and escorted the female suspect down to the basement to purportedly make an inspection.
Moments later, authorities said, the male suspect appeared and claimed the problem was fixed. He and his female partner reportedly fled in an unknown direction.
Upon inspecting his home, law enforcement sources said, the man determined a large amount of cash had been removed. Additionally, the man found a locked door had been damaged.
The theft was reported to the 104th Precinct, and an investigation is ongoing. Officers determined the crooks got away with about $70,000 in cash, Capt. Christopher Manson, the 104th Precinct’s commanding officer, reported during the 104th Precinct Community Council meeting in Middle Village on Tuesday night, Sept. 16.
Det. Thomas Bell of the 104th Precinct CommunityAffairs Unit reminded residents not to let anyone posing as a utility worker into their home unless they previously called to request service.
“You’ve got some people out there trying to make a living,” Bell told residents at Tuesday’s meeting. “This is their business and they’re good at what they do. … Once they get into your home, it’s over.”
Anyone unsure of a person’s identification should call 911 immediately.
Persons with information regarding the Glendale burglary that could prove helpful are asked to call the 104th Precinct Detective Squad at 1-718-386- 2735; all calls will be kept confidential.
