Burglars Target Elderly Woman In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — An elderly woman was targeted in a possible distraction burglary this week, Cleveland Heights police announced. The department is warning residents of similar scams possibly being utilized in the city.

On Monday afternoon, on Maple Road, a man walked toward a house and told the homeowner, who was outside, he was a tree trimmer. He asked if she had any trees on her property. The homeowner said yes and the man asked her to show him around.

The pair walked into the backyard and the man began talking to someone on a cellphone while also speaking with the homeowner. He then told the woman he would return on Tuesday to cut her trees and he left.

The homeowner then went into her home and found someone had stolen her jewelry.

The suspect is a white man who was driving a gray van. A second white man was seen inside the van.

Police said distraction burglaries can take many forms, but residents should not let anyone into their home who they do not know.

"In some of these distraction burglaries, the suspects have posed as utility workers with the gas, electric, water or cable company. In others, they pretend to need help while their partner sneaks into the home. In this most recent incident, the suspect was posing as an employee with a tree company. It is important to keep in mind that if you do not know the person at your door or a person who approaches you in your yard and you are not expecting a service call, do not answer the door or engage with the person," police said.

Anyone who is approached by a stranger, particularly someone trying to gain access to their home, should contact Cleveland Heights police immediately, according to Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg.

"Also, keep an eye on your neighbors. Many times these types of criminals target elderly people. If you see someone hanging around your neighbors house who looks out of place, please contact the police immediately," Mecklenburg added.

This is the first distraction burglary to occur in Cleveland Heights this year, Mecklenburg said on social media.