By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Across the country police are seeing a rise in home burglaries. Here in the valley, thieves are targeting the most trusting of victims. One trio of thieves con the elderly into trusting them, then robs their homes in the northeast part of town.
Police worry hard economic times could make people more desperate, and this group could turn violent and start forcing their way into homes.
After parking his car, and just feet from his front door, a senior was attacked for his wallet.
“Because my dad is 72-years-old, it is hard on somebody that age when someone comes in and attacks you violently,” Isaias Urrabazo, the victim's son.
His family and neighbors are still in shock of the violence over some quick cash.
“It's like robbing from a church. It is a rotten way of doing something, but they are an easy target and for someone that low to prey on the elderly, it's just not cool,” said neighbor Edgar Annon Jr.
“It speaks testaments to a person's character when they would victimize an elderly person. This is your grandfather. This is your grandmother. How would you want them to be treated by people?” said Anthony Racke Metro Police.
But seniors are finding themselves the target of a several robbers, including one smooth talking trio who says they are interested in doing yard work, and then says his pregnant wife needs to use the bathroom.
“Once inside the home, the male will distract the victim while the female goes through the house and selects items to steal,” said Racke.
In this case, the homeowner didn't buy the line and gave police video of the group, including their Land Rover. But they worry they may soon not take no for answer.
“We want to stop them and identify them so it doesn't escalate to a point where now they are using a weapon or they are actually taking it to the next level and using physical force to gain entry into some ones home,” said Racke.
It's already happened now to one family and now they are left praying their father will recover and be able to come back home, a place they can only hope will again be safe for anyone now seen as a easy target.
Police say common sense is your best defense. A pregnant stranger is not likely to ask to use your bathroom when there are gas stations and fast food shops on every corner. But they say if you are approached never let them inside and call police immediately.
Email your comments to Reporter Amanda Hernandez
 |
