Burglary in Kočevje: Two men posing as workers defraud elderly couple of several hundred euros
In Kočevje, two perpetrators used a well-known telecommunications scam to gain entry to a house and stole money and jewellery. Police are warning elderly residents about such brazen thefts.
Two men in work clothes defraud elderly couple in Kočevje
According to reports from ljubljanainfo.com, two unknown men robbed an elderly couple in the Kočevje area yesterday in early afternoon using a well-known scam. One perpetrator distracted the homeowners with a conversation about providing telecommunications services, while an accomplice inconspicuously entered the building and took away money and jewellery.
The homeowners were defrauded of several hundred euros. Following the theft, both perpetrators fled in a grey van.
Police are searching for one of the perpetrators, whom they describe as a man aged around 30, of small and stocky build. At the time of the theft, he was wearing blue work clothes and a blue cap with a visor. Anyone with any information about the incident or the suspects is asked to report it to police or call 113.
Organised perpetrators particularly target the elderly
Police emphasise that such thefts from residential homes are not random. "Brazen thefts from residential homes are carried out by perpetrators in a very refined and cunning manner, and they deceive victims to such an extent that some time passes before they realise they have been robbed," police warn.
Perpetrators often falsely pose as repairmen, employees of electrical companies, drain sanitation contractors, or scrap metal buyers. Their goal is to lure the victim away from the entrance, whilst an accomplice searches the interior of the building and takes money, jewellery, and other valuable items.
According to police, the victims in most cases are elderly people. "In some cases they take away all their savings, and that is why the severity of the offences is even greater," they warn.
Police advice for protection
Police are urging citizens to be cautious about unexpected visits from strangers. "Always lock the house when you leave it, and take the key with you, even if you only step around the corner," they advise.
When encountering unknown visitors, they should try to remember as many details as possible — description of clothing, manner of speech, distinguishing features, and the make, colour, and registration number of any vehicle.
Police urge relatives and neighbours to speak with elderly people about how these perpetrators operate and warn them to be careful when dealing with strangers. If there is suspicion of a criminal act or sighting of suspicious individuals, police recommend calling 113 immediately.
Source: Google News SI — Crime (sl)