Suspects Distract Elderly Woman to Commit Burglary NR11105rf

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating suspects who gained entry to an elderly woman’s property by misrepresenting themselves through distraction and then stealing items from her residence.   

On March 8, 2011, at around 11:30 a.m., two male suspects knocked on the residential door of an 82-year-old woman and advised her of their need to spray for bees in her backyard.  One of the suspects entered her home while the other stayed outside.  The suspect who entered her home, who identified himself as “Juan” and will be referred to as suspect one, began walking through her house and advised her that the chemical in the bee spray would cause swelling.  He went on to suggest that she remove her rings and assisted her with doing so by using water and liquid soap.  After the rings were removed, he placed them in a paper towel and kept them.  

Later, the victim realized her rings were missing and phoned the police. She also discovered that one of the suspects apparently went into her bedroom at some point and took additional items. However, because she never saw the second suspect enter her home, she wasn’t sure which one of them stole her property.   

No vehicle was seen and the suspects were not in a uniform, but police have the following descriptions: Suspect one, whom the victim allowed to enter her home, was a White male about 40 years old. He stood about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighed approximately 300 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a white, long-sleeved shirt, tan pants and brown shoes.  The second suspect was a Hispanic male about 30 years old who stood around 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed approximately 130 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black jeans, and black shoes.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Foothill Division burglary detectives at 818- 834-3163.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "web tips" and follow the prompts.