Detectives are still after the dastardly duo that robbed senior homeowners in Zerega, Pelham Bay and Throggs Neck. Last spotted in southern Brooklyn, the two men run a utility scam. George John, 29, a 5-foot-8 160 pound white male, poses as a “water department” or utility worker to distract seniors. His partner, a 5-foot-7 230 pound white male not yet identified, slips in to pocket cash and jewelry, a 45th Precinct detective said.
The men speak Italian and target senior women who reside alone. John and his partner succeeded at Doris Street and Roebling Avenue in Zerega in September, on Crosby Avenue in Pelham Bay and on Lawton Avenue in Throggs Neck in October. The duo also failed on Lawton Avenue, where a senior refused to be fooled, the detective said.
The 45th Precinct seniors targeted had Italian surnames but don’t appear to be linked in any other way, the detective reported. One senior had her precious jewelry collection stolen. The scam artists work in the morning and afternoon.
Seniors reported similar burglaries in Brooklyn in 2008, the detective said. The 49th Precinct has warned seniors about the dastardly duo but has been spared thus far.
“We have our eyes on the case,” 49th Precinct Captain John Greeley said. “But nothing has happened in the four-nine.”
45th Precinct detectives have canvassed pawnshops and distributed “wanted” fliers. The detectives ask that seniors slam the door on suspicious utility workers and phone 911.
If you have information call (718) 822-5414 and ask for Detective Harvey.
