Bradenton police searching for burglars posing as pest control employees

BRADENTON, Fla. - Bradenton police are searching for three suspects they say conned multiple elderly residents.

According to police, the trio posed as pest control workers, talked their way inside at least three homes, and then swiped thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and cash.

Police say these criminals knew exactly what they were doing.

On Thursday morning, investigators believe two men and a driver stopped at the Ironwood/Pinebrook neighborhood.

"While there, they posed as pest control men that were hired by the homeowner association and they had gone outside the building and were pointing and acting as if they were spraying from a sprayer," explained Bradenton Police Captain Jeremy Giddens.

The two con men convinced several elderly residents they were on the property to treat for bugs, talking their way inside multiple units.

Investigators say the suspect wearing the flannel shirt distracted the homeowners going from room to room moving furniture and spraying.

Courtesy: Bradenton Police Department

"We believe at that time the second suspect was wearing the yellow vest, came in, was able to go throughout the home into the bedrooms and steal jewelry and cash," Giddens said.

Both men wore masks.  The one with sticky fingers also had gloves.

After hitting two condos, the crooks headed to River Oaks Condominiums where they pulled the same rouse, posing as pest control to gain entry to another unit to burglarize.

"These suspects are preying on our elderly and they were able to get into their homes and take advantage," stated Giddens.

Police say they got away with more than $20,000 in cash and jewelry.

Investigators say folks need to be skeptical when people show up claiming they were hired to do something inside your home.

"You really should be careful. If you're not expecting any contractors and any work to be done at the home, you should not let anyone in," Giddens said.

Courtesy: Bradenton Police Department

Police say the two men appear to be in their 30s.  They believe the suspects were driving a dark-colored 2019 or newer Chevy Silverado, and a third person was behind the wheel.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department.  You can contact Detective Jay Gow or Detective Todd Freed at (941) 932-9373 or 941-932-9370.