Burbank police warn elderly residents of roof leak scam

Burbank police are warning residents to beware of anyone attempting to enter their homes under the false pretense of repairing a roof leak.

A 64-year-old woman was home alone at her house on 1500 block of North Niagara Street when a man knocked on her door.

The unshaven man, who she described as between the ages of 40 and 45 with “dirty teeth,” attempted to con his way into her home to fix a roof leak.

According to the police report, the 5 feet 6 inch tall man told the resident that her leak was spilling onto the neighbor’s property. When she refused to let him into her home, he walked away from her property.

The resident further described the suspect as Caucasian , with a thin build and short, dirty hair. He was wearing a blue shirt.

A similar scam occurred on Feb. 18 a little more than a mile away on 2200 block of North Valley Street.

In February, a Caucasian man intimidated an 84-year-old victim into letting him into his home under the ruse of wanting money for roof work.

The man alleges that after he let the suspect into his home, he gave him money and was then ordered to sit on the couch. A woman entered the home soon after to watch the victim while the man rummaged through his home.

After allegedly sifting through the man’s dresser, cabinets and closets, both suspects left through the front door of the home and fled in what the victim described as a newer white vehicle. The victim told police the vehicle was a sporty-looking 2-door hatchback with a chrome roof rack.

The male suspect n this case between 30 and 40 years old, 6 feet tall, and approximately 220 pounds. He had short black hair and was balding with a beard, mustache and dark brown eyes. He was wearing a black and white striped sweatshirt with jeans.

The woman was also Caucasian, approximately 30 years old, 5 feet 1 inch tall and 120 pounds. She had collar length dirty blonde hair and blues and was wearing a white V-neck shirt and jeans.

Residents are asked to call the Burbank Police Department at (818) 238-3200 if they are not sure as to a person’s visit.

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