“Ruse burglaries” continue in Peru

The “ruse burglary” trend continues in Peru.  Police Chief Doug Bernabei says an elderly woman in east Peru was targeted late Saturday afternoon. She told police a  white man, with a scruffy 5 o’clock shadow, dark hoodie, blue jeans and work boots entered her home as soon as she opened the door.

He claimed the city hired him for yard work and walked to the back door and later into the basement uninvited.  Police say the man tried to get the woman into the basement, but she refused and told him to leave.  She says he was also speaking into a walkie-talkie. Bernabei said the man eventually gave up trying to distract the senior and left.

The man is white, approximately 5’ 8”, and speaks with a European accent.  He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, jeans and work boots.

Bernabei says the idea is to distract the homeowner while an accomplice enters and takes valuables or papers to steal one’s identity.  If you see anyone suspicious, call police.