Residents are robbed after letting strangers into their homes

Two identical crimes in Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks also occurred several times recently in Simi Valley, possibly involving the same suspects, but certainly the same technique.

In the Newbury Park and T.O. incidents, a young woman who identified herself as "Tanya" was selling magazine subscriptions on March 12. She told customers that her brother was her assistant.

In at least two instances, she or her brother asked to use the restroom. While one of them kept the homeowner occupied, the other stole checkbooks and credit cards. Then the other person would ask to use the restroom, which allowed for a more thorough search.

Both of the Conejo Valley victims were senior citizens.

Police said the technique is old but it still works. Residents are warned to never let strangers into their homes. Also, door-to-door salespeople are required to have city permits to solicit anything in the city of Thousand Oaks.

Tanya was white, between 15 and 19 (5-foot-2 to 5-foot-3, 130 to 140 pounds), with black hair and blond streaks. She wore a white T-shirt with the slogan, "Don't hate the players, hate the game."

Her purported brother was also white and between 15 and 19. He was slender (5foot10 or 511, 150 to 170 pounds), had black hair and was cleanshaven.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and charges being filed against the suspect(s).

Callers can remain anonymous. The number to call is (805) 494-TALK (494-8255).