English Men Caught Posing As Local Contractors In Minnetonka: Police

MINNETONKA, MN — Two men from England were arrested in Minnetonka after intentionally damaging homes and then posing as local construction contractors to secure business, according to authorities.

The men were identified as Francis Purcell and Tommy Purcel.

Minnetonka police were alerted by a homeowner on Monday who shared her concerns about apparent contractors who offered to repair the chimney on her home.

"The individual, in this case, did what we want people to do," said Minnetonka Police Captain Andy Gardner in a statement.

"She asked the work crew for identification and more information. When it didn’t make sense, she called the police."

The work crew presented photos of the damage to the chimney, and later found broken chimney pieces laying on the ground in her backyard, according to police.

The homeowner contacted the company listed on a handwritten invoice — Advantage Construction — and learned the work crew had no connection to the local company, authorities said.

Police responded to the home Tuesday afternoon and arrested the suspects.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified the men as being from England and they were taken into federal custody. They could face charges including theft and criminal damage to property, police said.

Two teenagers traveling with the crew are also in protective custody, authorities said. Investigators are now trying to find other homeowners who may have been victims in the scheme.

Police are warning residents to be aware of traveling contractors who move to a region during storm season and offer free inspections to homeowners.

"We want to make sure homeowners take a few simple steps when it comes to working with contractors," Capt. Gardner added.

"Ask to see company information and a state license. Don’t sign any contracts before you have verified the information. And, do not pay for any repairs in cash."