BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo police are asking for help locating suspects believed to be violent and targeting the elderly.
Investigators are looking into several home invasions and burglaries near Military Road and Austin Street recently.
According to police, the suspects are believed to be white males, possibly in their 30s. Police say they are in the neighborhood asking homeowners to do work around the home and then returning and robbing them.
The suspects are considered violent and are accused of targeting the elderly.
Ronnie Fox had her Military Road home targeted twice. She said the suspects left her husband with bruises and stole over $2,000. They stole her sound bar during the second invasion.
"During the day someone had come to my house asking if they could shovel the walk for money, and said they needed $30 because their mother had died and they wanted a necklace for her," said Fox.
It was later that night when the suspects invaded her home.
The public is urged to be aware of suspicious activity and be cautious of inviting those into your home.
"Unless you are specifically contacting a contractor, or soliciting this work, do not allow anybody into yout home," said Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo. "And as far as elderly people, don't even open the door for somebody that you didn't specifically call into your house."
The family of 77-year-old Norm Farner tell 7 Eyewitness News that he was a victim of the home invasion suspects. His family says Farner was beaten with a crowbar after trying to fight off the intruder to protect his wife.
"He's a tough old bird-- he fought him off, he disarmed him," said Farner's relative Richard Gould.
Family members say the photo below was taken while he was being treated for his injuries at ECMC. The family says he received about six stitches.
Anyone with information on the incidents are asked to call 911.
