Cops: 'Distraction' burglars strike again

"Distraction" burglars struck again Wednesday, this time stealing from an 89-year-old woman in Oceanside, Nassau police said.

A woman posing as a fence company representative knocked at an Academy Street home at 12:10 p.m., police said. She lured the resident into the backyard by saying she was doing work for a neighbor in back, police said.

While they were in the backyard, the victim heard the woman talk to a male on a two-way radio device, police said.

Later, when she went inside, the resident discovered jewelry and cash was gone.

A spate of distraction scams have targeted the elderly in their homes in the past several weeks, Nassau police said. At least one person poses as a worker or a new neighbor who distracts the resident, often by drawing the victim outside, giving a partner the opportunity to take valuables from inside.

Fourth Precinct detectives ask anyone with information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS.