Police: Distraction Burglars Posing as Tree Trimmers Break Into Elderly Couple's Safe

Just a day after Glendora police sent out an advisory about 'distraction burglars' operating in the area, we're learning of a new case in town.

According to the department, an elderly couple who lives on Carroll Avenue was the victim of such an operation on Tuesday.  Apparently, a group of three men worked together to steal items from the couple's safe.


"Officers learned that the elderly resident answered the front door to find a male subject, dressed as a contractor, wearing a yellow construction hard hat," Glendora Police Det. Matt Fenner said in a press release Thursday.  "The suspect posed as a tree trimmer and lured the victim into the backyard."

While the man was out back with the 'tree trimmer,' two other men entered his home via the unlocked front door, according to Fenner.  When they were confronted by his 92-year-old wife in her bedroom, they told her she was needed to sign some paperwork.

"While both victims were distracted a third suspect pried open their safe and stole valuables," Fenner said. 

The three then left the area in a white sports utility vehicle, according to the detective, who also provided the attached composite sketches of the three suspects.

Anyone with information related to this incident or another distraction burglary was asked to contact the police department at 626-914-8288.

In the meantime, Glendora police provided the following information to help people avoid becoming victims of theses sorts of crimes: 

• If you are unsure who is at your front door, do not open it.
• Verify the identity of the person at your door by calling the company they are purporting to be from (i.e. gas, electricity, water, or police).
• Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the person at your door, as they may provide a fake telephone number or have you call a co-conspirator.
• Do not allow someone to coax you out of your house. Be suspicious of anyone asking you to step out of your home, especially during unscheduled visits.
• Not sure? Do not open the door and call the Glendora Police immediately at (626) 914-8297.