'He Took What He Saw': Victim Describes Thief Who Posed As Roofer

DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver are warning residents about a new roofing scam targeting elderly females. Investigators are looking into three separate cases including one involving an 88-year-old woman named Bernice.

In early October, Bernice said she got a knock at the door from a man claiming to be with the roofing company she hired.

"I said, 'Are you with my roofing company?' He said, 'Yes' and quickly went over to the carport saying he had to check something," Bernice said.

Before he could get to work he told her he needed a bucket of hot water so she headed downstairs.

"I'm filling up the bucket of hot water, not thinking anything. Not thinking why," she said.

While she was distracted she believes he came inside and went right to her bedroom.

"He didn't have time to go through everything. He took what he saw out," she said.

The thief took off with several pieces of expensive jewelry including the wedding ring her late husband gave her 66 years ago.

"I couldn't believe it the people how people can do this to other people."

First she called the roofing company, who told her the man at her door did not work for them. In the second call to police she learned the crooks had done this before.

"That bucket of water," she said, "Sure he took it up and put it outside and left."

Bernice says as hard as it was to lose something so valuable, she knows she was lucky she wasn't hurt.

"That was the most important, the others are material things that can be replaced. Sentimentally, though they can never be replaced," said Bernice.

Investigators say there have been similar incidents in Littleton, Westminster and Colorado Springs, but are not sure yet if they are all connected

Denver Police believe there are three suspects. The first suspect is described as an Hispanic male, heavy set and approximately 5-foot-9. The second suspect is described as an Hispanic in his 50s, 5-foot-10 to 6-foot, average build and with short, dark brown or black hair. The third suspect is described as an Hispanic male in his 40s, 6-foot to 6-foot-2, slim build and with short dark brown or black hair.

The Denver Police Department recommends the following safety tips:

• Keep your house locked when you are away as well as when you are home and use deadbolt locks to secure your home
• Never under any circumstances let anyone know you are alone in the house
• Immediately call the police when witnessing something suspicious

Karen Morfitt Joined the CBS4 team as a reporter in 2013. She covers a variety of stories in and around metro Denver. Follow her on Twitter @karenmorfitt or email her tips.