The Sacramento Police Department reminds the community of a continuing burglary series where the suspects use a ruse to distract the victims.

There have been five recent burglaries (in addition to the seven in March and April) where the suspects pose as either utility or construction workers seeking to gain access to the victim's home or yard. In each case, the victims were elderly. One suspect distracts the victim, keeping them outside or in the basement, while the other suspect(s) enter and burglarize the home, taking money, jewelry, financial statements and other property. The suspects may be talking with each other via cell phones.

The burglaries have occurred in the following areas:

• 1. Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 1:09 p.m.: 6500 block of Rancho Madera Way
• 2. Monday, May 23, 2011 at 11:50 a.m.: 4300 block of Fallow Drive
• 3. Monday, May 23, 2011 at 12:36 p.m.: 2200 block of 17^th Street
• 4. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 11:09 a.m.: 2200 block of 13^th Street
• 5. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 11:46 a.m.: 2000 block of 12^th Street

The suspects were generally described as #1: male White 30s, 5'10", 180 lbs with a goatee; #2: male Hispanic, large build; #3 male Hispanic 30s, medium build. In two of the burglaries, the suspects wore yellow construction hard hats and appeared to be wearing some type of uniforms.

The Police Department wants to remind residents to be wary of opening your door for strangers. Never allow a stranger in your home. If you are leaving your home, be sure that all doors and windows are locked and set the alarm, if you have one. Call the police if you see any suspicious activity. Please share these safety tips with friends and family.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.