Stockton Police Concerned Suspects Are Targeting Elderly Victims In Homes
STOCKTON (CBS13) — A string of home invasions and assaults where investigators say the bad guys targeted older women, has police very concerned, but believe the crimes are connected.
On Oct. 8, a 63-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in her home. On November 7, an 86 year-old woman was sexually assaulted in her home. Just this past Wednesday, a man forced his way into the bedroom of an 80 year-old woman and robbed her of her wallet.
Police said the crimes all occurred in just a two-mile radius from each other and the suspect entered the homes through an open window.
Life-long Stockton resident Sandy Hall is in her 80s, but volunteers to help other seniors. Hall said she's met several, who have been victims of minor crimes and scams.
"Get your landlord to put a security screen door on the front," Hall said she recommends if the senior lives in a ground level dwelling. "Because you can talk to someone through a screen door."
Hall said another mistake seniors make is staying at the door or talking on the phone too long to strangers, accidentally revealing details about their home and schedule.
"Because they want someone to talk to," said Hall. "I tell them just hang up or don't answer, but some of the old school of thought think they can't do that. That it's rude."
Hall also encourages women, who live alone, to change their answering machine greeting.
"Put a man's voice on there. Get one of your friends or neighbor or relative to change the answering machine."
Hall said many seniors are reluctant to give up their driving privileges, but carpooling and buses provide more security. She said friends will watch you get to your door safely, instead of criminals watching to see if you're alone.
Stockton Police are still looking for the man responsible for the sexual assaults and robbery. He's described as 5'10" and in his 30s or 40s.
