Gables Cops Warn Residents Of Distraction Thieves
CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – Distraction burglaries, in which teams of thieves target elderly residents to steal their valuables, are on the rise in Coral Gables.
In the last year alone there have been more than a dozen such burglaries reported.
Police said the thieves look like a typical worker you would see in the neighborhood, from a utility work to a tree trimmer.
Generally, the 'contractor' knocks on the front door and tells the resident he's working in a neighbor's yard and needs access to it from the resident's side. As the two walk to the yard, the scam artist's partner enters the home and steals valuables; such as cash, jewelry or anything worth of value while the homeowner is distracted.
"It's a variety of different people," said Coral Gables police spokeswoman Jeanette Frevola, "There may be many groups that work amongst each other, but not the same person over and over again."
This type of burglary is not limited to the Gables however. Al and Norma Brundage, who live in South Miami, said when they were hit, the burglars were good. So good, in fact, it took them some time to realize anything had been taken.
"Nothing looked disturbed," said Norma Brundage.
The thieves stole approximately $70,000 worth of silverware and jewelry.
Investigators think the groups are coming in from other areas and targeting season residents.
Police said in order not to be taken in by distraction thieves, always ask for identification from the contractor in question. If they don't have any ID, call the company they claim to represent and confirm that they are employed by them.
