Police are warning residents of a distraction burglary in York County. A resident of the 500 block of East Canal Road in Conewago Township tells police that a man knocked on his door on Thursday, September 11th, between 10am and 11:30am. The man wanted to talk about where the resident’s property lines were located. He told the resident that he needed to mark the property lines in preparation for a new road and housing development in the area. The suspect and two residents of the home walked to the rear of their property.
The suspect received a phone call and told the homeowners that he needed to go out to his truck to get some paint to mark the property lines. The homeowners say they waited about five minutes for the man to return, but he never did. The homeowners then went back to their house and found jewelry scattered on the floor and doors open. The homeowners checked the rest of the home and found that a safe had been opened and a large amount of cash and jewelry were missing.
Police believe this was a distraction burglary where one of the conspirators kept the residents occupied while another or others entered the home and took any and all valuables that they could find.
The male who was with the homeowners is described as follows;
- Hispanic male with a heavy accent
- 5’8″ tall
- Short dark wavy hair
- A fluorescent vest and long pants
- Referred to himself as “Billy”
The homeowners could not provide a vehicle description.
The investigation into this incident continues. Anyone with information should contact the Northern York County Regional Police Department at 717.292.3647 or use the crime tip reporting portion of this website.