Elderly Bootheel woman robbed after allowing two men into her home

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. — An elderly woman was robbed after being duped by two men allowing them into her home.

Officers were called to a home in Caruthersville at 4 p.m. Friday. The homeowner, an 83-year-old woman, told officers while she was outside of her home working in the yard on Thursday, she was approached by a white male and the two began talking about the opening of a furniture store in Caruthersville. Using the excuse of it being too hot to talk outside, the man talked the woman into allowing him inside her home, according to a news release issued by the Caruthersville Police Department.

Once inside the residence, a second man came to the door with a flooring sample, which they opened up and spread across the room to display.

A third suspect allegedly came in the front door of the residence while being hidden behind the flooring sample, authorities stated. It is believed the third suspect "rummaged through the bedrooms and other areas of the home while the two other suspects continued their sales pitch in the living room of the home," Police Chief Chris Riggs said.

It wasn't until the next day that the woman noticed items, including jewelry and cash from her purse, were missing.

The suspects are described as driving a black or dark newer model pickup truck. It was last seen traveling eastbound on West 10th Street.

The first suspect was an older white male approximately 60 to 70 years old. He had gray hair, a medium build and was about 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 175 pounds.

The second suspect was also a white male approximately 50 to 60 years old with gray hair. He was described as having a stocky build, about 6 feet in height and weighing 230 to 250 pounds.

No description was available of the third individual.

The police chief noted the two men "are very smooth and persistent talkers who know what they are doing while working well as a team."

He recommended if an individual is approached by someone wanting to go into their home, to walk toward a neighbor's house and start demanding in a loud voice that the person leave the property. The individual should try to get the attention of a neighbor or passing motorists.

Also he said those approached should try to obtain as much information about the suspicious person including description of the suspect, the clothing worn and the vehicle and a license plate number.

"Elderly people are often targets of these types of scams and are taken advantage by these criminals, however, anyone can be a victim," Riggs said.