Nutley Senior Citizen Fleeced During Diversionary Burglary: Police

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police say that another alleged “diversionary burglary” took place in the township last week involving a man who came to inquire about a woman’s backyard fence.

According to the Nutley Police Department, officers responded to a Bloomfield Avenue home around 3 p.m. on Thursday on a report of a burglary that had just taken place. The 85-year-old homeowner told officers that the incident began when a man came to her home inquiring about her backyard fence.

When the homeowner went outside with the man to look at her fence, one of his accomplices allegedly slipped into her home and stole “a large sum” of money, police said.

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The victim described the man as a white male about 40 to 50-years-old who was wearing a dark jacket, police said.

Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco said that the incident is similar to another diversionary burglary that took place on Jan. 6. During that incident, two to four scammers entered a Union Avenue home claiming they were with the water department and stole money from the master bedroom.

• See related article: Nutley Burglary: Victim Scammed By ‘Water Department Worker'

Homeowners who suspect a potential diversionary burglary scam at play can call police at 973-284-4940, or via 911 in an emergency.