Police are asking for the public's help to catch a trio who posed as water inspectors to rob Brooklyn and Staten Island homes, assaulting a man during one of the robberies.

Detectives say the burglaries occurred over the summer between July 30 and August 10 at five Brooklyn homes and one Staten Island home. According to investigators, two men and a woman would gain access to homes by posing as water inspectors. The victims later discovered they were missing jewelry and cash.

According to police, an 85-year-old Staten Island man became suspicious and refused to leave his door open during the "inspection." Police say the crooks then beat the man.

The Brooklyn robberies occurred on 83rd Street, 46th Street, Ryder Avenue, 49th Street and Bay 31st Street. The Staten Island robbery occurred on Bradley Avenue.

The suspects are described as being in their 30s. Anyone with information about the crime spree is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

AP wire reports contributed to this story.