PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia police are investigating a series of diversion-style burglaries targeting elderly residents in the city’s Northeast, where suspects have used impersonation tactics to enter homes and commit high-value thefts across four neighborhoods.
According to the Northeast Detectives Division, the suspects are believed to be working in pairs, using deceptive stories about fence installations or utility issues to distract homeowners. While one suspect engages the resident, an accomplice covertly enters the property and steals cash, jewelry, or other valuables. The burglaries have taken place in the 2nd, 7th, and 8th Districts and appear connected by method, suspect descriptions, and targeted victims.
Key Points
- Four burglary incidents targeting elderly residents have occurred between March 28 and April 22 in Northeast Philadelphia.
- Suspects used fake stories about fence work or utility problems to gain access or distract victims.
- More than $230,000 in valuables and currency have been reported stolen.
Police connect burglaries through consistent suspect tactics
The first incident occurred on March 28, when an 80-year-old woman on the 11XXX block of Knights Road was approached by a man claiming to be removing trees for fence work. As she was led outside, another suspect entered and stole $25,000 in cash and $200,000 in jewelry. The suspects fled in a black Ford F-150 pickup with silver trim.
On April 10, a 92-year-old man on the 72XX block of Bradford Street allowed a man inside who said he was checking the electrical system. While the two were in the basement, a second suspect entered and took $3,500. Doorbell camera footage later showed the pair fleeing on foot.
A similar burglary took place on April 14 on Fairdale Avenue. A 79-year-old man was lured outside by a man referencing neighbor fence work. An unseen accomplice took a $400 Citizen watch during the distraction.
Fourth incident adds new details to developing pattern
The most recent report came April 22, when an 83-year-old man on the 19XX block of Fulmer Street was approached by a man claiming to be from the electric company. The suspect accompanied the man to the basement for 30 minutes before leaving abruptly. The victim later found $5,000 in cash, 9,000 Chinese Yuan, and a small safe stolen from his bedroom. He reported that the suspect spoke Spanish on the phone and that his front door had been left unlocked during the encounter.
All incidents feature suspects described as white or Latino males, typically in their 50s, wearing masks and dark clothing. In some cases, the suspects wore glasses or claimed to be named “Joey.”
Police have urged residents to be alert when approached at home and to verify identities of anyone claiming to be a utility or service worker.
Police urge caution and public assistance
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about these crimes to contact Northeast Detectives at (215) 686-3153. In addition to seeking leads, the department reminded residents to never allow unverified individuals into their homes and to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.