CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. – An elderly woman mowing her lawn this morning is the latest victim of a ‘distraction’ burglary. The incident happened at 8:41 a.m. in the 5200 block of Windsor Boulevard.
A Hispanic male about 5’8 and 175 lbs., approached the woman and said he worked for the “Water Company”. He then went on to say there was a water main break in the area and told her that he needed to go into her basement to check the water pressure.
The victim went into the basement with the suspect who began to test her water pressure. He continued to walk around her basement and made a phone call. After several minutes he said he needed to check his computer in his car and went outside.
After a minute the victim went outside and the suspect was nowhere to be found. The victim then noticed that her jewelry and money had been stolen. PA American Water has been made aware of this and informed police that their employees always wear a company uniform, drive a company truck, and also wear an identification badge.
Residents should be aware that during the summer months the potential for these type of distraction crimes can increase, particularly when the resident is doing outside lawn care. Non-verified utility workers should not be admitted into your home and suspicious activities should be reported to the police immediately.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Lower Allen Township Police at (717) 238-9676. Or, you may contact Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-628-8477, or by email at contact@cumberlandcrimestoppers.net.
