A suspect has been arrested in connection with a string of thefts from homes, especially in the Pembroke area, in which older and vulnerable residents were singled out.

Two families this week told The Royal Gazette of seniors living alone who had fallen victim to burglary after an intruder came to their residence claiming to be in need of help.

Both were women in their nineties, with one, a war veteran, speaking out after a woman who walked into her apartment on Sunday and asked to use her bathroom apparently ducked into the bedroom and removed jewellery from her dresser.

A resident in the same apartment complex reported the would-be intruder fled after being challenged.

Another family said that a female intruder who burgled a Pembroke home over the summer had returned this week to the same residence — with the elderly resident recognising her, refusing to open her door and then reporting the incident to police.

Police confirmed that “seniors in particular were targeted” in the spate of burglaries, with the person removing items of value once allowed inside.

The theft would be discovered only after the caller left. Police said the person remained in custody as the investigation continued.

Police reminded the community they need not open the door for a caller and that a resident feeling uneasy should ask that the caller come back another time, when a trusted person is there.

Unscrupulous individuals are known to play on the emotions of seniors, in order to gain their sympathy before relieving them of their valuables.

Marked property is harder for thieves to sell on, so it can put them off.

Try to photograph any valuables so that if something valuable gets stolen, the police are more likely to identify and return it.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by individuals involved in this practice should immediately call the main police number, 295-0011.