Cops Hunt Con Artist Stealing Goods From Brighton Beach Seniors

Police are looking for help tracking down a suspect in a rash of Brighton Beach burglaries in which the suspect gains the confidence of his victims before making off with cash and jewelry.

CBS reports:

Police said the suspect followed the residents into their apartment buildings, telling them he is their upstairs neighbor and that water from his apartment was leaking into theirs, police said.

The suspect then tells the victims that he wants to inspect the damage and will pay for it, police said.

He asks the victims for change for a $100 bill so he can give them $50 for the damage, then goes through their apartments taking jewelry and money, police said.

The victims include an 89-year-old woman robbed on December 24 and an 88-year-old woman this past Sunday. The suspect took about $2,400 in cash and several items of jewelry from both.

Police say the suspect is a white male last seen wearing sunglasses, a ski hat and a waist-length jacket. He may speak Russian.

Below is surveillance video released by the NYPD:

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577.