Coral Gables Police are warning residents about a group of distraction thieves preying on the elderly in the neighborhood.
Officers went person-to-person and door-to-door Tuesday handing out flyers about the recent incidents.
Police said the suspects pose as landscapers, construction workers and other types of workers, luring victims into their backyards away from unlocked front doors.
"A lot of people get embarrassed because they let them inside the house, crime is nothing to be embarrassed about, it happens, we want everyone to know to lock their doors, don't let them in, if you're not expecting someone, call us," Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak said.
Police said it's easy to be victimized by distraction thieves if you don't have your guard up, and once they get in, the damage is done in seconds. They go right to the bedroom and take what they can carry.
"Conceal easily and also pawn later on, they want a quick turnaround, they're not gonna walk out with a 70-inch TV," Coral Gables Police spokeswoman Kelly Denham said.
Police ask anyone with information to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
