Roanoke Rapids police are looking for three white men who, while creating a diversion through pitching a strong brand of linoleum, robbed an elderly victim of more than $300 in rolled coins.
Officer Gerald Morris responded to the call shortly before 9 p.m. on January 11 and learned the victim heard a loud knocking at the door.
He asked the victim if he could come in because it was raining, but did not wait for an invitation.
He told the victim they went to church together and he cut the victim's grass.
The second man came inside carrying a piece of flooring, telling the victim what a great product it was.
A witness noted a third person sitting in an older model, white sport utility vehicle, who may have been the person who slipped inside and stole coins while the victim was being distracted with the tile pitch.
The two men inside abruptly left and when the victim checked the house there were coins on the floor as well as the rolled change missing.
The man who knocked on the door was described as chubby and having bad teeth. He wore a red sweater around his waist and was possibly in his 40s. The man with the tile sample was possibly in his 20s and wore torn blue or gray clothing. He was skinny.
Police are encouraging anyone with information or anyone who has fallen prey to this to call Detective Bobby Martin at 252-578-8969 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.