Thieves targeting elderly victims

The Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating a series of about a dozen distraction-style burglaries targeting elderly victims around the metro Atlanta area.

Seven of the incidents have occurred in Gwinnett. One man, usually described as a Hispanic or Slavic male of average height and weight, politely approaches the elderly person for a seemingly legitimate reason. For example, the suspect may claim he is building a fence for a neighbor and needs the victim to point out her back property line. Other reasons cited have been the need to inspect the victim’s deck.

While the victim and first suspect walk to the back yard, the second suspect enters the home and steals valuables — typically jewelry. Anyone with information for detectives about these cases can call 770-513-5300.