Tampa Police Investigating Scams Targeting South Tampa's Elderly

The Tampa Police Department is looking into scams targeting elderly residents of South Tampa that occurred between March and April.

The victims - two women and a man - range in age from 76 to 82, and the incidents were on the following dates: March 5, April 12 and April 24, according to police.

The suspects are described as white or Hispanic men ranging in age from 30-40 years old, possibly driving a white truck with a topper, police said.

Here's what police say the scams entailed, from Janelle McGregor, public information officer at the Tampa Police Department:

The most recent case took place on April 24 at 3 p.m.  A male suspect approached an elderly woman at her home and identified himself as a water
department employee.  He told the 83-year-old victim that he was repairing a
water main break in the area and that he needed to check the water in her kitchen.  

The victim escorted him back to the kitchen where he spoke on a cell phone for part of the 20 minutes he spent in the house.  The victim noticed that the suspect was relaying her address during the phone conversations.  She became suspicious and asked him to leave.

Later on, the victim and her son discovered cash and jewelry missing from
several areas in the home. She believes that another suspect entered
the home through her unlocked front door, because the male she was with never left her sight.  The front door and other areas of the residence are not
visible from the kitchen.

Detectives believe the same suspects were involved in a previous theft that
occurred on April 12 at approximately 2:57 p.m.  One of the suspects
identified himself as a landscaper to an 81-year-old homeowner.  The suspect
appeared to be very knowledgeable about the victim's property and he was able
to convince the victim into taking him to his backyard.  

A second suspect posing as a water department employee knocked on the door, while the victim and the suspect were in the backyard.  The victim's 81-year-old wife answered and was led to believe the suspect was there to check the water pressure in their home.  

The suspects talked to each other using code words and Spanish on walkie-talkies, while they kept the victims distracted. The victims got suspicious and asked everyone to leave when a third male suspect showed up at the house. The victims later discovered that over $10,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from their home.

The first reported scam took place on March 5 at 3:30 p.m.  A male suspect entered the 75-year-old victim's residence under the guise of spraying her house for bugs. While the suspect was giving a demonstration, he pretended to inadvertently spray the bracelets that she was wearing with the spray bottle. He then instructed the victim to take the bracelets off and soak them in juice in order to prevent damage.

She complied, and the suspect grabbed the bracelets valued at over $300 and fled the scene. Detectives are working to determine if the suspect in this case is connected to the two recent scams.

These scams commonly referred to as "distraction thefts," usually involve two
or more suspects using various ploys to enter the victim's home. Residents are
reminded to be cautious of individuals providing a residential service who
show up to their homes unexpectedly.  Taking steps, such as, verifying the
person's employment with the company and making sure all entry doors are
locked can greatly reduce the chances of becoming victimized.

Anyone with information about these crimes or who feels they were a victim of
distracted theft is urged to call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130.