Berlin police investigate burglary scam - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Police in Berlin are investigating a burglary scam where the suspect pretended to be a state surveyor and stole a significant amount of jewelry from a homeowner on Mildrum Road.

The suspect told an 82-year-old woman that he needed to cut down some trees and wanted her to show him where her property lines end.

"She asked him for identification and he said he didn't have any and quickly changed the subject back to the trees," said police Lt. Chris Ciuci. "The woman was concerned about the trees in her backyard and she followed him out to the backyard."

Police suspect a second burglar entered the home and stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from her bedroom while she was distracted. The woman did not notice the burglary until a few hours later.

"It's horrible to prey on or go after those homes, where people are there all the time," said neighbor Bob Switzer.

Neighbors are saddened to hear the news, especially since the road is not owned by the state.

"I'm hurt because I love this neighborhood," Switzer said.

One suspect was described by police as a slim, white man with brown eyes and long wavy black hair. He was clean shaven and last seen wearing a long blue nylon jacket.

"He had a deep voice and kept answering the phone when talking to her and said she was speaking in a language that wasn't English or Spanish either," Ciuci said.

Berlin detectives are trying to determine if this burglary is similar to ones in neighboring towns.

The DOT said all of its workers carry identification and will gladly show it to you. If homeowner is still worried, they can call 860-594-2000.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Berlin police at 860-828-7080.

Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.