Thieves Distract Lower Mac Resident, Steal $1,120

A Lower Macungie woman was distracted last week while an accomplice stole more than $1,000 from her safe, according to police.

The incident fit the cateogory that Pennsylvania State Police were talking about in a news release the same week warning the public that warm weather often brings out "Gypsies and the Travelers", also known as transient criminals.

In the Lower Macungie incident, said Florence Germane McFarland, 82, of Brookside Road answered her door at 12:45 p.m. April 18. The visitor distracted her by asking her to step outside and asked if they could take tree limbs from her backyard.

Meanwhile, the residence was entered and $1,120 in cash was taken from an unlocked safe, police said. The visitor eventually said they would return with a truck to pick up the limbs, but no one returned.

Police said they found no signs of forced entry.

The Brookside Road burglary is just one example of transient criminals, who prey upon the elderly in particular. This type of criminal often travels in tight-knit groups that work well together. Their schemes are varied but sometimes involve offers to seal driveways, perform home repairs including roofs and other means to district or scam the public. They also may include insurance and credit scams.

As always, state police ask that anyone with relevant information call them at 610-395-1438.