Denver police are warning residents to be aware of a burglary scam targeting elderly women.
Suspects are coming to the women’s homes claiming they need to complete roofing work, according to a Denver Police Department District 3 Facebook post.
One suspect distracts the victim, asking her to go outside to look at the roof or get a bucket of water, while another suspect enters the home and steals jewelry, money or safes, police said.
Police are aware of a couple of these incidents in which two of the victims recently had roof work done on their homes in Denver.
One of the incidents took place on Aug. 12 in the area of South Gilpin Street and East Dakota Avenue, and another case occurred on Oct. 10 near North Cherry Street and 4th Avenue, according to Denver police documents.
Similar incidents have taken place in Littleton, Westminster and Colorado Springs where the suspect claims to be with another authority like the water company or a utility company.
“It is unknown if these are related to the roofing scam burglaries,” police said.
The police department recommend preventative measures for the community such as asking for credentials and identification before allowing someone to work on a home, going inside and calling the company the person is claiming to represent to verify their employment, and not letting someone work on a home unless prior arrangements have been made.
Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-954-1223, ehernandez@denverpost.com or
