Man poses as FPL worker to distract, rob resident

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Miami Beach Police are looking for a man who distracted a housekeeper, while another person burglarized the home.

The burglary happened back on Oct. 12 at a residence along Alton Road. Investigators said the fake FPL worker told the victim he needed to check the power lines in the back yard. "Once speaking to the victim at the door he identified himself as an FPL worker and told her he needed to check electrical maintenance in the backyard area," explained Miami Beach Police Detective Vivian Hernandez.

Once in the back, he kept the homeowner outside while the burglar entered the home and stole items. "She went back to the house," said Hernandez, "where she saw another individual that at this point had ransacked her home, leave and take off with the original suspect in a four-door, maroon colored vehicle."

Police have released a sketch of the decoy, described as a man in his early 20s who stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall and has a tattoo on his upper left arm.

Neighbors said this incident is a reminder to them to always be wary of the action on that street. "We're very careful to look out," said Joyce Eckhoff. "We'd be very suspicious if somebody came to the door and asked for something."

"I've always been cautious," said Lilli Olin, "because it's Alton Road and anybody can come down this street. My husband and I both group up here, so we're kind of used to this."

Because you never know who can meet you at your front door, many said they try to take precautions. "We have a really good security system," said Olin. "I don't open the door unless I know who it is."

And some say, if it happens to them, they'll know exactly what to say. "No, you can't come in," said Eckhoff. "We'll check it ourselves, we don't have any bad lines right now, and we didn't call for service."

If you have any information on this burglary, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)