OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a pair of burglaries involving a duo who distract their victims by offering tree trimming services.
The sheriff’s office had already released information on one burglary involving an 85-year-old woman, but announced Tuesday that a second burglary the same day is believed to be connected.
Both burglaries were reported Monday.
The 85-year-old victim told deputies that a man showed up at her home claiming to be a tree trimmer, but instead stole nearly $400.
The woman, who asked not to be identified, said she opened the door to a man who said he was cutting tree limbs for her neighbors and needed to take a look at her trees too.
The woman said she walked the man to the back of her home and after talking for a few minutes, he abruptly left.
The woman said she had left her door open during the encounter and later discovered $380 was missing.
The sheriff’s office did not release details on the second burglary, but said the same tree trimming scam was used in both incidents.
The individuals involved were described as slim, tan-skinned men in their early- to mid-20s.
They were last seen driving a white, possibly extended cab, truck with paint cans or buckets in the bed.
Anyone with information on the men or the burglaries are asked to contact the sheriff’s office, 407-348-2222, or Crimeline, 800-423-TIPS.
Cox Media Group
