Police warn of 'distraction burglary' scam in Bucks County

PERKASIE, Pa. -- Police issued a warning for residents in one Bucks County neighborhood, after a man there fell victim to a distraction burglary scheme.

On Tuesday, 78-year-old Bob was out in the driveway in front of his Perkasie home when a woman approached, claiming she was with a tree service.

"We were going around the property looking at trees to get estimates," he said.

The woman asked Bob if he was married or if anyone else was home. Then she directed Bob's focus to some trees behind his property. Bob said for more than 20 minutes they talked all about some trees that he didn't even own.

During this distracting chat, an accomplice allegedly entered through the front door of Bob's house and ransacked his office. Bob said multiple envelopes of cash were missing, some that had been earmarked for Christmas gifts.

"I give so much money to my kids every year," he said. "And I put it away when I get my pension check."

Perkasie Borough Police Detective Russell Closs said this incident has all the elements of a typical distraction burglary.

"They are very good at what they do," said Closs. "And in this case they saw a single, elderly man in his driveway and they approached him and took advantage."

He advises people to be wary of any stranger that approaches wanting to engage you in an intense, focused discussion.

"If someone comes to your house and you didn't invite them there, you should always be cognizant that they could have someone else working with them who could be entering your house while you are talking," Closs said.

He said people should always keep an eye on their doors, or even better to keep doors locked.

Police said the woman involved in this case is described as a Hispanic female, approximately 35 years old. Bob said when she approached him she was wearing a fluorescent green hat and a matching shirt.

If you have information about this case, you are asked to contact the Perkasie Borough Police Department.

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