Malverne Police Chief Warns of Burglary Schemes

in the area prompted Malverne Police Chief John Aresta to issue a warning to residents during Wednesday's village board meeting.

"There is a team of people going around targeting elderly residents, gaining entry into their home using scams," Aresta regarding the incidents that have occurred in Malverne, West Hempstead, and surrounding areas in recent weeks.

Aresta explained how one pair of burglars, a man and a woman described as either black or Hispanic, tricked a senior citizen in Malverne on Dec. 20.

"One person said they were from a construction company working on [the nearby] school and wanted to look at the house," Aresta said. While the homeowner escorted the woman to the backyard of the home, the male subject entered the front of the house.

Aresta said they believe the female used a two-way radio or cell phone to tell the other person to go inside the home. Once there, he removed property from the man's bedroom and fled the scene.

Similar incidents were reported , and most recently, in Oceanside on Jan. 4. There, an 89-year-old victim answered her door just after noon and was greeted by a woman in her forties, approximately 5'3" with short black hair, glasses and an accent.

Once again, the woman lured the victim to her backyard by stating that she was with a fence company that was doing work for her rear neighbor. While in the yard, the victim told police she heard the woman speak to another person using a two-way radio and when she back inside her home a short time later she discovered jewelry and cash had been stolen.

Chief Aresta told residents to be on the lookout for the woman, who has "one bulging eye," as scene in the sketch released by Nassau County Police last week (see above). He also said to keep an eye out for the pair's getaway vehicle, a small red sedan, possibly a Toyota, with Florida plates. 

"If you see anything suspicious please call us," he added.

Aresta also warned residents not to be too trusting of people who come to their doors, especially if they have not solicited anyone to do work. He suggested that if a utility or construction worker does come to their home, to ask for identification first.