Cedar Grove Senior Citizen Fleeced During Diversionary Burglary: Cops

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Cedar Grove police are advising residents to be cautious after a “diversionary burglary” was reported on Second Avenue last week.

According to the Cedar Grove Police Department, officers responded to a Second Avenue home on March 28 after receiving a report of a possible diversionary burglary. On arrival, the elderly resident told officers that the incident began when two men wearing yellow work vests came to her home.

While one of the suspects waited outside with a tool bag, the other man told the victim that he needed to check her electrical service because of work being done on service lines in the area, police said.

The man then convinced the victim to lead her to an electrical panel in the basement, authorities said.

While in the basement, the victim allegedly heard footsteps upstairs. Once the men left, she discovered that someone had gone through drawers in her bedroom and stolen jewelry, police said.

“Residents should use caution when they are approached by persons claiming to be utility workers requesting access to their residence,” Cedar Grove police stated in a news release. “They should ask for proper identification and look for a utility vehicle with official markings. When in doubt do not let them access the home and report the incident to the police department.”

• See related article: Today Show Conducts Undercover 'Diversionary Burglary' Probes In Nutley: Are You At Risk?
• See related article: 2 Men Charged With Essex County Diversionary Burglaries (PHOTOS)

Photo: Shutterstock

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Verona-Cedar Grove Facebook page here.