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# Police: Be on lookout for scheming burglars
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/police-be-on-lookout-for-scheming-burglars/
- Published: 2006-01-31T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:06:10.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Crime, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*Con artists on the run*

*By Daily Press Staff Writer*

Daily Press Staff Writer

FRANKLIN AVENUE — Police are looking for suspected gypsies who were involved in a burglary over the weekend at the home of an elderly woman.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, the Santa Monica Police responded to the 1700 block of Franklin Avenue regarding a burglary investigation involving apparent gypsies.

The suspects — claiming to be with the water company — knocked on the elderly resident’s door and said they had to enter to check the water pressure. After the suspects entered, one suspect went to the kitchen and looked under the sink, while the other suspect was continually receiving phone calls. The suspects left saying they would return.

After the suspects left, the victim noticed money was missing, as well as her bank statement and canceled checks.

According to SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega, it’s common for groups of one to four suspects to select a home for target, usually because an elderly person lives there. One of the suspects will typically go to the door and tell the homeowner that he/she needs to check the utility. One suspect will talk to the homeowner and distract him/her while the other suspect(s) go through the house and take jewelry, money and small items, Fabrega said.

In those few minutes, the suspect steals the victims’ property and leaves. Santa Monica Police Chief James Butts, Jr., encourages all residents to ask for company photo identification from workers before they enter a residence. It’s also important to be sure they are driving a company truck.

If the worker doesn’t have identification or refuses to provide identification, residents are encouraged to call the police.

Police are looking for the two suspects believed to be involved in Saturday’s incident. One of the suspects is described as a male Hispanic, 35, approximately five feet five inches tall and weighing 130 pounds, and clean shaven. The second suspect is described as a male Italian, 22, five feet six inches tall, weighing 140 pounds and wearing a white T-shirt, jeans and a gray cap.

The victim states the suspects were conversing in a language that was neither Spanish nor European. No vehicle was identified.

Anyone having additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491\. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may also call the “We-Tip” national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 31, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/013106.pdf?ref=smdp.com)