Police Release Sketches Of Men Wanted In LI 'Distraction Burglaries'
HERRICKS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Police investigating a series of so-called "distraction burglaries" in Nassau County have released sketches of the suspects wanted in connection with two incidents.
Last Friday, a man, who was wearing a yellow construction hat and vest, knocked on the door of a home on Pine Street in Herricks and told the elderly homeowner that he was a National Grid employee, police said.
The suspect told the victim there was a gas explosion nearby and needed to check the water in the house, police said.
The victim told police she heard heard footsteps on the main floor of the house when she was in the basement with the suspect. When the suspect left about 20 minutes later, police said the victim discovered her jewelry was stolen.
The suspect is described by police as a white man with dark skin, between 30 and 35 years old, between 5-feet-7-inches and 5-feet-9-inches tall with a blue ink tattoo on his right forearm. Police said he spoke with a lisp or stutter.
Police have also released the sketch of a suspect wanted in connection with a similar burglary in Westbury last Friday.
In that incident, two men claiming to be utility workers knocked on the door of a home on Hunter Lane and told the elderly homeowner that they needed to check the water lines in the house due to a gas leak.
One of the suspects stayed with the victim to check the main water line while the other, whose sketch was released, went upstairs and stole coins and cash, police said.
Police described the suspect who allegedly stole the money as a white man with light skin, between 35 and 40 years old with a medium to heavy build and short black hair. He is approximately 180 pounds and between 5-feet-2inches and 5-feet-4inches tall. Police did not release a sketch or detailed description of his accomplice, saying only that he was between 40 and 49 years old.
Police are also investigating a similar incident that occurred in Syosset last Thursday, but no details have been released yet.
Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information to call 1-800-244-TIPS (8477).
Police are advising residents to be aware, always ask for photo IDs, keep cash and other valuables out of view and always report suspicious activity.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories:
