Man poses as roofing contractor, robs 85-year-old woman

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Updated: 6:53 PM Apr 27, 2008 Man poses as roofing contractor, robs 85-year-old woman Ida Madou was home alone when a man came to her door claiming that his company re-did her roof a few years ago. Only later did she and her son find out something was missing. Posted: 6:53 PM Apr 27, 2008

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Would you trust a stranger who came knocking on your door? One elderly Mishawaka woman sure won't anymore!

Eighty-five-year-old Ida Madou was home alone when a man came to her door claiming his company re-did her roof a few years ago.

She let the man in her home to check for possible leaks and left.

A few hours later, her son came to check on her and they noticed a safe -- that had been in the basement for more than 20 years -- was gone. So were memories left of her husband, who died in 2002.

“You can’t judge people by their looks, you have to not trust everybody, and I’ve been told to not let anyone in the house," said Madou.

Ida's son Kevin Madou explained, "It’s irreplaceable from a value standpoint. You can't go out and get these, especially because my dad has passed. And that was what he did every Christmas."

The safe contains two sets of Canadian and U.S. mint coins from the early 1970's and 80's.

The family is offering a 1,000-dollar reward. If you have any information, please call Mishawaka Police at 258-1678.

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