Greenfield Police Warn of Thieves Targeting Elderly, Good Samaritans

The is warning citizens about a threat of home thefts that involve residents letting the thieves inside their homes.

According to Assistant Chief Paul Schlecht, suspects appear to be targeting elderly residents. They enter the house by telling the homeowner they need water. As the resident assists in filling a bucket of water, another suspect goes through the house looking for valuables.

Schlecht said one such incident occurred around noon Tuesday in the 9000 block of W. Cold Spring Road. Two unknown men knocked on the victim's door and asked for water. When she let them in, one of the suspects distracted her while the other went to her bedroom and stole cash and other valuables.

One suspect was described as a white male in his 40s. He was approximately 5-feet-8-inches tall with a chunky build and balding brown hair and wore a gray jacket and gray jeans. The second suspect, also a white male, is believed to be around 5-10, also with a chunky build. He was wearing a long, tan jacket.

The suspects were seen driving a mid- to late-1990s gray, silver or light-colored vehicle, possibly a Ford Windstar or Chevrolet Astro, possibly with an Illinois plate.

Schlecht said about a week earlier, a similar incident occurred in the same neighborhood, though in this case, the suspect, who matched the description of one of the suspects in Tuesday's theft, was not allowed in the home.

Schlecht urged residents who see the van in their neighborhood to contact the Greenfield Police Department immediately. He also said if someone you don't know comes to your door requesting help, do not let them in; instead call the police department. Officers will be happy to render service if it is truly needed.

Should you notice suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood try to obtain as much information as possible about the person or vehicle, such as a license plate number, description of person including, age, race, sex and where they are or the last know direction they were seen traveling.

To contact the Greenfield Police Department call 414-761-5300.