Phony Workers Burglarize SF Valley Homes: Cops

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – The public was urged today to be on the lookout for two men who posed as maintenance workers and burglarized two homes in the North Hollywood area last week while distracting the elderly occupants.

The first crime occurred about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday in the 6100 block of Bonner Street, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.

"A suspect posing as an electrician and wearing an ID card knocked on the residence of an elderly victim ... and lured (her) into her backyard under the guise of inspecting electrical lines," according to a police statement. "A second suspect entered her unlocked residence (and) was able to remove property from the residence."

The second crime occurred about 1:30 p.m. the following day in the 5600 block of Corteen Place, police said.

A suspect posing as a "water maintenance worker" knocked on the door of another senior citizen.

The suspect lured the victim into his kitchen while a second suspect entered the unlocked residence and removed property, according to police.

The first suspect was described as being about 50 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighing about 175 pounds.

The second suspect was described as 20-25 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing about 160 pounds. Their race was not indicated by police.

Police released security images of one of the suspects and the car they were believed to be using to get around -- a newer model, white four-door Nissan Sentra.

Anyone knowing about the case was urged to call police (818) 754-8377.

Below from the LAPD are safety tips to consider:

• Don't allow strangers into your home, especially if you didn't schedule or request any type of service (i.e., utilities, tree trimming, home inspectors, etc.).
• Always ask for an ID or any associated paperwork - get them to pass these through the letterbox as at this point you should still have your door closed.
• If a crime occurs to you or others, be a good witness. Observe as much detail as possible of the suspect without intervening. Your life is more valuable than property.
• Report the crime as soon as possible by calling 911. Delayed reporting can significantly reduce the possibility of apprehending the suspect.

• ALSO SEE: 'Top 10 Wanted' Fugitive Cuffed After Crash, Chase In SF Valley

--City News Service contributes to this report/Images via LAPD