90-year-old woman distracted by fake power worker, burglarized by second suspect

DEBARY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - The Volusia County Sheriff's Office says that a distraction burglary occurred in which a suspect tricked a 90-year-old woman he was with the power company while an accomplice stole cash from a bedroom drawer.

They say that the burglary occurred Friday evening on Gardenia Avenue in DeBary, where the victim told deputies a stranger started banging on her door around 5:45 p.m. When she answered, the male at the door claimed he was with the power company and that her power was due to be shut off soon.

The victim told police that she told the stranger she wouldn't open the door, but he insisted enough to convince her to let hin onto her back screened porch. While she was preoccupied with him, a second suspect came into her house. The first suspect kept the victim distracted for several minutes.

Police say that when a family member came home, it was discovered that several bedroom drawers had been rifled through and cash was stolen.

Deputies ask that residents be skeptical of strangers who show up unexpectedly and use pressure and scare tactics to gain access inside.

Please report these cases of suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Office at 911 in an emergency, or on the non-emergency line at 386-248-1777.