Two women arrested earlier this week in connection with burglaries at homes in southern Orange County posed as housekeepers to enter the residences, acccording to investigators.
During the past year, the Orange County Sheriff's Department received reports of several burglaries in which thieves took cash and jewelry, but did not break into the homes. Authorities determined that the thieves were allowed to enter the homes after telling homeowners they were a cleaning crew.
Surveillance video collected from a Riverside residence connected the women to the crimes, sheriff's officials said.
They were identifed by the OC Sheriff's Department as Sandra Elizabeth Rojas, 36, and Marie Alejandra Rojas, 38, both of Riverside.
Investigators said the pair would identify residences with legitimate cleaning crews.
"They would identify the residence and once the legitimate cleaning crew left they would go in and steal cash or jewelry," Lt. Jeffrey Hallock said.
He said they posed as housekeepers in case the residents came home, even bringing their own vacuum.
"We know that they're good for residential burglaries over several months. A lot of time steal cash or jewelry then sell or pawn that jewelry," Hallock said.
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It was not immediately clear whether the women obtained an attorney.
Anyone with information about the cases can call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 949-425-1901.
Hallock said their could be additional victims.
Note: This story originally appeared on NBCLA.com Sept. 17, 2014. The story was broadcast on NBC4 Sept. 18, 2014.
