Mr Mario Collaro warned residents of Cyrildene to be aware of four women and one man who allegedly scam residents by pretending to be potential house buyers.
He said the group travels in a Volkswagen.
On September 24, at about 1pm, Mr Collaro welcomed five people into his home to view the house as he is selling the property.
“A woman knocked on my door and pretended to be interested in buying the house. She said she would like to convert it into a guest house.
“As I opened the door for the woman, a car with another three women and a man arrived. The first woman and the man kept me occupied outside as I was showing them the property. The second woman woman kept my domestic worker busy in the kitchen. The remaining two women went upstairs while we were busy with the others,” said Mr Collaro.
Mr Collaro said at that time he was not suspicious as they were friendly.
“I am selling my house and thus believed them when they said they are interested in the property. They were here for about an hour,” he said.
Mr Collaro said about six hours later he realised that some items were missing from the house when his wife searched for her tablet.
“She could not find it. I went upstairs to check in our bedroom and I found the bedroom door, which had been locked, had been forced opened.
“Cash was missing as well as jewellery and other personal belongings. I was shocked because I didn’t think of them as thieves as they were kind,” said Mr Collaro.
Mr Collaro urged residents who are selling their properties to be cautious.
Mr Collaro has since removed the “for sale” board as he fears another incident.
He advised people to look out for this group of people.
“They are in their 40s. If you are selling your house do not allow anyone in unless they have made an arrangement with your estate agent first. Never leave people unattended when they come in to view your place,” he said.
