The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people  targeting the elderly in Long County has increased from $700 to $4,000.

Last week the Ludowici Police Department and the Long County Sheriff’s Office announced they were offering the reward in an attempt to thwart a rash of incidents in which someone is targeting the county’s elderly residents.

Long County Sheriff’s Office Detective Tom Sollosi confirmed there have been a number of incidents involving thefts, assaults and cruelty to elderly people.

He said an elderly woman was injured March 6 when someone entered her home while she was there and stole some items. He said authorities have noticed a pattern indicating some incidents might be tied to others.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Ludowici Police Department at 912-545-2222 or the Long County Sheriff’s Office at 912-545-2118.

Additional contributions to the reward fund can be made by calling Sheriff Craig Nobles at 921-545-2118.