Scam artists targeting the elderly

NASSAU COUNTY

They lure them outside and then sneaking in to rip them off.

Police on Long Island are desperately trying to find them before they hit again.

Diane Coughlin is checking in on her elderly parents as she does every week.

She's heard about the recent rash of deception burglaries, one which happened on her parents street.

"It's horrible to prey on the elderly, that's just wrong," Coughlin said.

A group of people is doing just that and Nassau County Police have had enough.

"They're vile, despicable, scam artists, that's what they are," said Lt. Kevin Smith, Nassau County Police.

Lt. Kevin Smith doesn't sugarcoat, he's disgusted with the group of people cruising around, scamming the elderly.

"They strike fast and then they get out of there, most times you never see them again," Lt. Smith said.

There have been seven burglaries or attempted burglaries in the last three weeks.

Two were in Massapequa Park, two in Merrick, and one each in Wantagh, Jericho, and West Hempstead.

In four out of the last seven, a woman comes to the front door of an elderly person's home.

She says she bought the house next door and is thinking about putting up a fence.

She asks them to look at the property line with her.

When the elderly person does, he signals to a partner who goes in and steals jewelry and cash from their home.

Police have a vague description of the people involved, and the car they use.

So for now, they are warning everyone to be extra cautious.

"Be more pro actively on the lookout for any suspicious activity!" a resident said.

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