On Friday, May 18th. at 6:02 p.m., a Township man reported that he had been the victim of a diversion type home burglary attempt. The 81 year-old victim stated that at 11:15 a.m. that morning, three male subjects came to his front door. One of the men, who identified himself as Bob from Lyndhurst, offered to fix the shingles on the victim’s roof for $100.00. The victim let the man into the house while the other two subjects remained outside. While discussing the potential work in the kitchen, the victim heard noise coming from a first floor bedroom. When he went to investigate, the victim discovered that one of other subjects had entered the home without his knowledge and was looking through items on his dresser. He ordered the man out of the house and while doing so discovered that the first man (Bob) was now in his living room looking through items. The victim then ordered both men out of the house. Upon exiting the house, the men entered an older style white contractor type minivan with a ladder rack and the lettering “Handyman” on each side of the vehicle in blue letters with red accenting and left the area. The three male subjects were described as being young white males wearing work style clothing. Nothing appeared to have been taken from the residence. * Residents are warned to be suspicious of contractors going door-to-door offering to do work. Local ordinance requires that any such solicitors be licensed by the Township so that proper checks can be made of background and references. Always ask to see a Township issued solicitors license and always be wary about allowing strangers into your homes. If you are unsure what to do, please contact the police department at 973-239-4100.
