Investigators released a sketch of the man on Wednesday.
Authorities say he targeted a 71-year-old homeowner, telling the victim he needed to check wires and water pipes outside and inside the man's home.
Instead, police say the suspect stole a dark green Centennial safe containing $4,000 in cash, a $25,000 dollar coin collection, all of the victim's paperwork and his wife's ashes.
The suspect is described as a white man, unshaven, with a medium to heavy build, wearing a ¾ length dark coat with light dress pants.
He was driving a late model silver minivan, possibly a Chrysler.
Police believe he may also be responsible for a separate incident in Lower Moreland, Pa.
Anyone with information on the case or the suspect is asked to call 911, or the Philadelphia Police Northeast Detectives Division at 215-686-3153.
