Burglars target elderly homeowners in Northeast Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police are searching for a group of young men who are targeting the elderly, ransacking their homes and then stealing their car.

Over the last month, two homes in the area of First and Sierra Avenues have been robbed. Investigators said in both cases a group of men in their 20s knocked on the door asking for a bottle of water or asking if someone was home.

Once they figured out the women lived alone, the suspects came back at night taking everything from TV's, jewelry and even the victims' cars. Police believe the same group is responsible for both crimes.

"Our crooks need to understand, when you target the elderly you face a host of very serious charges," Lt. Burke Farrah with the Fresno Police Department said. "When you target the elderly in our community, the state has a very special punishment just for you. Elder abuse laws are very strong. Injuries and courts have a pretty dim view of people that take advantage of our elderly."

Police want to remind the community, you do not have to answer the door for someone you don't know.