Police Issue Ruse Burglary Alert

are reminding residents to not allow strangers access to their yard, home or garage after two ruse burglaries were reported in the past two weeks. A ruse burglary is a crime in which someone distracts the homeowner while a second person enters the home and looks for things to steal. 

On the afternoon of Nov. 9, that a Hispanic man told the resident he was doing tree trimming and he needed to check the property line. The subject was using either a cell phone or walkie talkie while in the home. After a short time the resident became suspicious and told the subject to leave. After the subject left the resident discovered jewelry missing. The subject fled in a silver van or SUV.

On the afternoon of Oct. 27, , claiming that he would be doing some plumbing work and needed to check the water pressure. The resident became suspicious and advised he would call the police. The man quickly exited the home with the resident discovering jewelry missing.

Police described the suspect in the Nov. 9 burglary as a younger-looking Hispanic man, 5 feet, 7 inches, with black hair. He was wearing a dark blue wool jacket (similar to a Navy Pea coat), a blue baseball cap and gloves.

The suspect in the Oct. 27 burglary was a younger Hispanic man, 5 feet, 7 inches with a thin build. He was wearing black or blue navy blue pants with a white strip, a blue jacket and gloves.

Ruse burglaries, also known as "gypsy scams," are a common method of operation for residential burglars, who often prey on senior citizens.

Police remind residents call 911 to report suspicious people asking for access to a home. Residents should also be aware of occupied vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods.