Cops: Scammers Are Using Distraction Burglaries To Rip-Off The Elderly

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Elderly people have been targeted in a string burglaries on Long Island.

As Nassau County Police Chief Kevin Smith explained, perpetrators have been arriving at homes claiming to work for a gas or water company and requesting permission to come inside to check on a problem.

Chief Smith said that if that happens residents should call 911. This is after three people fell victim to distraction burglaries in Syosset, Westbury, and New Hyde Park.

"And what they're doing is they'll go around the house and say they're testing your faucets. Possibly looking for maybe green water, and at the time they're doing this, a lot of times they'll have a second accomplice who will make his way into the house. He'll locate a bedroom and they seem to be focusing on stealing things like jewelry and cash," Smith told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.

Smith added that these scams are typically used to target the elderly.

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