By Dan Gesslein
Police are asking the public to be on the lookout for phony Con Ed workers looking to rob elderly Bronx residents.
Police released a sketch of a man they said robbed five houses throughout the Bronx from Pelham Bay to Riverdale. The thief posed as a Con Edison worker who targets victims age 69 and over. In each case the phony utility worker claims he needs to check the water pressure in the house. Once inside, one of the thieves goes with the home owner to check the water meter while his partner ransacks the home for valuables.
Home owners should be aware that Con Edison workers do not check water meters.
The con men Con Ed workers usually strike during the early afternoon hours and target elderly home owners. The pattern began on December 19 when the thieves robbed a home on Willow Lane near Pelham Bay Station. The con men then struck in Williamsbridge on January 3. The next victim was a Riverdale resident on Irwin Avenue on January 18. Country Club was the next stop for the phony Con Ed workers when they struck on February 3. The last target was in Baychester on the day after Superbowl Sunday on February 7.
Police released a sketch of the description of the suspects and of items taken provided by the victims. Both suspects are described as Hispanic males 35 to 40 years of age who are about 5 foot 10 inches tall.
Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.