Coconut Creek, Fla. – Coconut Creek police warned the public on Thursday to be more aware after the city experienced four distraction thefts since March where the elderly are being targeted.
The announcement comes as police are investigating a robbery after two men posing as Homeowners Association workers stole from an elderly woman’s house in Coconut Creek on Wednesday.
According to police, similar cases were reported in March, May, June and October.
Thieves posing as landscapers or cable company providers have been allowing them to gain entry into homes.
The 94-year-old woman who chose to remain unidentified told Local 10′s Rosh Lowe that two men who identified themselves as landscapers broke into her home and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry.
“So, they took thousands?” asked Local 10 News’ Rosh Lowe.
“When I tell you thousands I’m not bragging,” said the woman. “I have diamonds and he took my costume jewelry.”
The woman told police that the suspects involved were one man and one woman.
Coconut Creek Police Officer Scotty Leamon acknowledged that he’s familiar with these types of robberies.
“They say they are from the HOA, they come in they work in pairs,” said Leamon. “They will take you to a back room where they can isolate you.”
According to police, Coconut Creek has experienced four distraction thefts since March where the elderly is targeted.
“We want everybody to know gated or not gated that this is going on to not let people into their house,” said Leamon.
Despite losing her jewelry, the victim said she talks to everyone around her.
“I’m very trustworthy--I talk to everyone, she said. “Look, I’m talking to you and I don’t know you.
The woman said the thieves told her they were going to cut trees in the back but broke into the house after isolating her in another room.
“When they left, I went into my bathroom and bedroom and everything was strewn around, the woman said.
Despite being robbed, the woman still maintains a positive attitude.
“I can’t give up being nice to people,” she said. “This is the first time in 94 years that I was skunked otherwise I talk to everyone.”
Anyone with information on the suspects is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.