Modesto man robbed in his home; stamp collection taken

Modesto police are looking for two men who tied up and robbed a man in his home over the weekend.

The 76-year-old victim is a stamp collector who previously purchased a stamp from one of two men who showed up at his home in the 1800 block of Patton Drive on Saturday afternoon, said Modesto police spokeswoman Heather Graves.

The men had a bag of stamps they were offering to sell, so the victim let them inside his home.

After a brief conversation, one of the men said, “We won’t hurt you, we just need money,” according to Graves.

They used duct tape to bind the victim’s hands behind his back and cover his mouth and eyes.

The men rummaged through the victim’s house and took his stamp collection, valued at $50,000, Graves said. They also took a dozen specialty $2 bills valued at $15 each, the victim’s wallet and several other items.

The men then left in the victim’s Acura.

The man eventually was able to free himself and get to a neighbor’s house to call 911.

A California Highway Patrol officer found the victim’s car Sunday in an orchard north of Modesto, but the men have not been located, Graves said.

Both men are described as Latino, with dark hair, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds.

Graves cautioned people not to let strangers, or even acquaintances, into their homes. She recommended talking to people through the door to let them know you are there, but not letting them inside.

Anyone with information about the home invasion robbery is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can email tips through the Crime Stoppers website, www.modestopolice.com/crimestoppers, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing “Tip704” and a message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.

This story was originally published November 18, 2014 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Modesto man robbed in his home; stamp collection taken."