***Update as of May 24, 2017*** 

On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, three more cases were reported to detectives between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, in the Town of North Redington Beach, South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach.

Investigators say the suspects are described as white or Hispanic males approximately 25 – 35 years old with short brown hair, tattoos, and facial hair.  The vehicles used by the suspects are described as a 2016-2017 black Dodge Ram 1500 truck with chrome rims and newer model red sedan.

***End of Update***

***Original News Release***

Who: 

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Burglary & Pawn Unit

What: 
Detectives are encouraging the public to be on alert to a recent scam of suspects posing as employees of the water department.

When: 
Since April 27, 2017, Detectives have identified at least three cases.

Where: 
The scam targeted elderly citizens of Pinellas County in the City of Seminole and the City of Redington Beach.

Why/How: 
Pinellas County detectives are encouraging the public to be on alert to a recent scam targeting elderly citizens in Pinellas County.

According to detectives, the victims are visited by the suspects posing to be employees of the water department. The suspects inform the victim there is a water leak in the victim’s home. After gaining entry into the home one suspect distracts the victim while the other suspect steals various jewelry and other valuables.

Detectives say, three citizens of Pinellas County were targeted by this scam within the past 10 days.

Detectives believe there are two male suspects, 40 to 50 years of age, with varying descriptions. The first suspect is described as having a heavy build with a beard and possibly wearing glasses. The second male is described as white male with a slim build. The suspects were seen leaving in a newer model black full-size Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Detectives encourage citizens to not allow anyone entry into their home without first verifying the status of their employment by contacting their local water department or the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at 727-582-6200.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Weil of the Burglary and Pawn Unit at 727-582-6337. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

The investigation continues.