Thieves refine their methods: from “kin with fish” to “the Pigeon method”. How they stole 52,000 lei from an 89-year-old man
Criminals are increasingly diversifying their techniques by which they break into people's homes, relying on the victims' quick reactions. Although many buildings are equipped with surveillance systems, thieves do not seem deterred: they do not use force, but credible stories, adapted to each situation.
An old man was left penniless after allowing thieves to “save a pigeon”. PHOTO Shutterstock
In a first case captured by surveillance cameras and described by Antena 3, several people entered the staircase of a block of flats pretending to be neighbors selling food products.
After being left in the building, they took advantage of the inattention of the tenants and stole almost 2,500 lei, leaving the building in a hurry.
Another frequently used method is a “relatives sent with products”. The suspects show up at the door with bags of fish, claiming they were sent by an acquaintance of the victim. In reality, they watch the moment the owner pulls out the wallet, and then embezzle money.
In one recording, a woman is caught rummaging through a closet and hiding bills in her purse before leaving.
The “Pigeon” method: a made-up story to get into the house
The latest technique, “the Pigeon method”, assumes the following scenario: thieves knock on the door and claim that a pigeon is stuck in the attic of the house. Under this pretext, I request access to the home. While one of them “checks the bridge”, the others steal money or valuables.
Such a case, which happened in Cluj-Napoca, surprised even the investigators. The thieves allegedly targeted an 89-year-old man, from whom they managed to steal 52,000 lei.
“Two of the men would have illegally entered a building in Cluj-Napoca, taking advantage of the injured person's advanced age (…) under the pretext of an unreal situation, namely the fact that a pigeon would have been stuck in the attic of his building”said Iulian-Florin Timşa, spokesperson of IPJ Cluj.
Do not open the door to strangers!
Authorities warn that these methods are carefully prepared and the stories are tailored to the profile of the victim.
“We recommend that you do not allow access to homes to unknown people, regardless of the story presented. Do not make decisions under pressure and do not be convinced by fabricated emergencies,” transmitted Crina Eșanu, spokesperson of the Capital Police.
Criminals rely on emotional reactions and lack of vigilance, and their methods are constantly evolving. Specialists emphasize that caution and verification of information remain the most effective protective measures.
