Police: Husband, Wife Posed as Tree Trimmers to Burglarize E. Farmingdale Home

A husband and wife were arrested Friday for a deception-style burglary where police said the duo posed as tree trimmers to distract a homeowner while they stole items from an East Farmingdale home last month.

Al Tan, 46, and his wife, Sheila Ely, 37, pretended to be tree workers to gain entry to a E. Carmans Road property on Oct. 21, police said.

According to police, Tan and Ely lured the homeowner into the rear of her yard, claiming they wanted to look at trees that were hanging over into the neighbor’s yard. While one suspect distracted the woman, the other entered the home and stole assorted jewelry, police said.

Tan and Ely, who were staying at the Days Inn, located at 10 34th St. in Copiague, were arrested Friday and were charged with second degree burglary and third degree criminal possession of stolen property. They will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Nov. 21.

According to Suffolk County Police, deception-style burglary suspects often target the elderly and will pose as tree trimmers, roofers and driveway repairmen to get the victims out of the house. Residents should be alert for anyone who tries to request unsolicited work at their home.

Anyone with information or who has been a victim of a deception burglary and has not reported the crime can contact the First Squad at 631-854-8152.

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