‘Service worker’ scam appears to target elderly residents

A new scam involving so-called service workers has resulted in at least three residential burglaries throughout Port St. Lucie, according to police. The burglars appear to be targeting elderly residents.

Homes in St. Lucie North, Lyngate and Swan Park have been hit by a pair of burglars who distract the resident while an accomplice helps himself to what’s inside the home.

One of the burglaries was reported on April 29 shortly after 5 p.m. in the Lyngate community – the 1600 block of SE Minorca Avenue. The 79-year-old victim told police that she answered her door when someone knocked.

She was met by two male suspects who identified themselves as “private company workers” who were tasked with photographing the lot lines of the empty lot behind the woman’s home.

Two of the three cases provided similar suspect descriptions, which include two Hispanic males with short, dark hair. One is described as being 55-65 years old standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds.

The other is 35-40 years old standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 210 pounds. The older suspect was wearing a wide brim straw hat, a light green short-sleeve buttoned shirt and khaki pants. The younger was wearing a blue polo-style shirt, khaki pants and sunglasses.

The other locations where the scammers are believed to have burglarized homes are the 6400 block of NW Taper Court in the St. Lucie North neighborhood and the 600 block of SW Violet Avenue in the Swan Park neighborhood.

Anyone with information pertaining to the incidents, is encouraged to contact the Port St. Lucie Police Department by calling 772-871-5000, or Det. Morgan at 772-879-3379, or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-TIPS (8477).

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