Burglar Posing as Water Company Targeted Elderly in Clark: Police

Clark, NJ -- Police are warning residents of a burglar who used diversionary tactics to rob an elderly couple in Clark.

The elderly couple, residing on Fulton Street, reported on Tuesday in the afternoon about 4 p.m. a tall, slenderly built, Hispanic male wearing some kind of identification around his neck knocked on their door claiming to be from the water company.

The man reportedly said he needed to check their water for signs of natural gas in the water.

“The homeowners were eventually led into the basement and at some point the suspect left the basement without the residents knowledge,” Clark Police posted on Facebook. “They subsequently discovered cash and jewelry missing.”

Police believe the man might have been assisted by another person.

“Please do not let anyone into your home without first confirming their identity by calling the company they claim to represent,” Clark Police posted. “Do not use any phone numbers on any credentials they may present to you to confirm their identification. Get a phone number for that specific company off the internet or yellow pages. These types of crimes normally target the elderly.”

Anyone with information on Tuesday’s incident should contact the department’s Detective Bureau at 732-388-3434.