On January 28, 2006, at approximately 1:30 pm, Santa Monica Police responded to the 1700 block of Franklin Ave. regarding a burglary investigation involving a modus operandi associated with gypsies of the past century. The method involves a theft committed by tricking and distracting an unsuspecting victim.

In this case, the suspects knocked on an elderly resident’s door and said they were with the water company and had to enter to check the residential water pressure. The resident opened the door and the suspects entered. One suspect immediately went into the kitchen and looked under the sink, while the other suspect was continually receiving phone calls. The suspects left abruptly, saying they would return.

After the suspects were gone the victim noticed money was missing, as well as her bank statement and cancelled checks.

Here’s how the suspects work:

Two, three, or four suspects select a home for target, usually because an elderly person lives there. One of the suspects will go to the door and tell the homeowner that he/she is with the Gas Company, Water Company, or Edison and they need to check the utility. Usually, one suspect will talk to the homeowner and distract him/her while the other suspect(s) go through the house and take jewelry, money, and small items. The ruse of needing to use the resident's phone for an emergency, or a claim to be a relative of the elderly resident are ruses also employed. In those few minutes inside the residence the suspect or suspects steal the victims property and leave.

Chief Butts encourages all residents to ask for company photo identification from the worker before they enter your residence and to be sure they are driving a company truck. Usually the company truck is parked in front of your residence. If the worker does not have identification or refuses to provide the identification, please call the Police immediately.

The suspects in this case are described as:

Suspect #1: Male, Hispanic, 35 years of age, 5'5", 130 pounds, being clean shaven and was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

Suspect #2: Male, White, possible Italian, 22 years of age, 5'6", 140 pounds, wearing a white t-shirt, jeans, and a gray cap.

The suspects were conversing in an unknown language, but it was not Spanish. No vehicle was seen.

Anyone having additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).