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Fake water company workers steal $5,000 in jewelry from 89-year-old woman, Cocoa police say

COCOA, Fla. — An 89-year-old Cocoa woman became the victim this week of a pair of thieves pretending to be water company employees, police said.

According to the Cocoa Police Department, the woman called 911 after two men came to her home saying there was a water main break nearby and needed to come inside and check her water.

After telling the woman to go to the kitchen and turn on the water and watch for red dye, the two men ransacked the woman’s bedroom, investigators said.

“I just went back to my bedroom and he stole all of my jewelry in all of my drawers and things pulled out,” the woman told a dispatcher. “All my pocketbooks is dumped and everything.”

The men got away with $5,000 in jewelry, police said.

Neighbor Vincent Drake couldn’t believe someone would stoop so low as to steal from an 89-year-old woman.

“It’s horrible to do her like that,” Drake said. “I’ve known her my whole life. She’s a good old lady.

“To do something like that, this world is crazy. They won’t get away with it. The Almighty up there, he got ‘em.”

No other homes on the street were approached by the men, which makes police believe the victim was targeted.

The best thing a homeowner can do in this type of situation is to verify that the people are who they claim to be, Cocoa Police spokeswoman Yvonne Martinez said.

“We’re still saying, if someone comes to your door saying they’re from the water department or any other utility or company, to verify that information,” she said.