GLENDORA — Police have released composite sketches of three men who posed as tree trimmers to distract two elderly Glendora residents in an unsuccessful bid to empty their safe of valuables earlier this week, officials said.
The crime took place about 5:20 p.m. Tuesday in the 700 block of East Carroll Avenue, Glendora police officials said.
An elderly man answered his front door and encountered a visitor dressed as a contractor, complete with a yellow construction hard hat, Detective Matt Fenner said in a written statement.
“The suspect posed as a tree trimmer and lured the victim into the backyard,” Fenner said.
“While the victim was distracted, two other male suspects entered the victim’s unlocked front door where they were confronted by the victim’s 92-year-old wife in her bedroom,” Fenner said.
The men told the women she needed to exit her bedroom in order to sign paperwork.
Once both residents were distracted, one of the suspects tried to pry open the couples safe, however they did not succeed, officials said. They were last seen driving off in white SUV.
Police offered some advice to help residents avoid becoming victims of similar “distraction burglaries.”
If you are unsure of who is at your front door, do not open it, Fenner said.
If a person claims to be from an agency such as a utility, police advised residents to call the utility to verify the person’s identity. Always look up the number directly, and do not use a telephone number provided by the visitor.
“Do not allow someone to coax you out of your home,” Fenner said. “Be suspicious of anyone asking you to step out of your home, especially during unscheduled visits.”
Anyone who encounters someone suspicious at their door is encouraged to call Glendora police immediately at 626-914-8297.

COMPOSITE SKETCHES courtesy of the Glendora Police Department.