Mark J. Becker, chief of police, Portage Police Department, has announced a tree trimming scam.

On Monday, at approximately 3:45 p.m., an elderly married couple who resides in the 2100 block of Crisman Rd., became the victims of a tree trimming scam. This is the second time in less than two weeks residents have been lured out of their residences by men claiming to be tree trimmers.

On this latest incident, two men approached an elderly man who was outside mowing his lawn, while a third man remained inside a black full size SUV.

The two men, who approached the elderly man, said they needed to know where his property lines were located, because they were trimming trees for new construction that was to take place just south of his residence. They also asked if the man’s wife was at home and he replied that she was inside. At that time, the third man exited the vehicle and went to the residence, where he met the wife and then had her meet her husband and other men in the back yard.

The victims said that while they were in the back yard speaking to the two males, the males were talking on a black walkie-talkie. After a short time in the back yard, all the men left in a hurry, causing the elderly couple to become suspicious and they checked their residence.

Inside the house, they observed several items missing. Most noticeable was a 2- by 2-foot safe that was kept in the basement. The safe contained a substantial amount of cash and coins.

The thieves were described as Hispanic between 20-30 years old and wore dark blue T-shirts, dark blue pants and unknown color baseball caps. They were driving a black full size SUV with a luggage rack on top. The vehicle had a temporary license plate in the rear window. It is believed the temporary plate was from Illinois.

The police department is asking residents to call the police anytime someone approaches them and begins to ask questions related to tree trimming. The police also want to remind residents not to be lured outside of their homes.

Posted 5/8/2008