CITY NEWS SERVICE

GARDENA — Gardena police were investigating a rash of distraction burglaries targeting elderly victims, officials said Thursday.

About five such burglaries have happened in the past three months, according to Lt. Steve Prendergast of the Gardena Police Department.

A suspect has been described as a Latino between 35 and 45 years old, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, Prendergast said.

The suspect wears a uniform and tells victims he works for a local utility company and needs access to the residence or backyard.

As the victim is distracted, a second suspect enters the homes and takes money and jewelry. A female Latino was seen in one of the burglaries.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Alex Rivera at (310) 217-9637.