Deltona, FL - The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) is investigating an incident in Deltona where an 84-year-old resident was distracted by a man claiming to be a Deltona Water employee while another suspect burglarized his home, the department's second distraction burglary case in a week.
This week, the VCSO was notified of a Dixie Belle Avenue home burglary that occurred at around 12:30 PM on Saturday. The victim told deputies that a man claiming to be an employee of Deltona Water approached him and said he was investigating a water line break. The man entered the home through the garage door and told the 84-year-old to run the kitchen faucet. He then went into the living room and looked out the window while talking to the victim. It is believed the man spent about 10 minutes inside the home before leaving.
Later that day, the victim realized his bedroom safe was pried open and burglarized. He believes another suspect entered his home while he was being distracted. The VCSO says this incident may be related to the recent distraction burglary of a 90-year-old woman in DeBary. You can find out more about that story here.
The VCSO is urging residents to be skeptical of strangers who approach you at your home and try to pressure you into letting them in. If you are approached by an individual claiming to be an employee of city utility or a power company, do not to let the person inside your home. You are urged to call the company first to find out if the person claiming to be an employee is legitimate.
"Please, watch out for your neighbors," said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. "If you see something suspicious, speak up. Let’s help protect vulnerable people from becoming victims of these low-life criminals."
The public is urged to report these incidents by calling 911 for an emergency or 386-248-1777 for a non-emergency.
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