Police Looking For Diversion Burglar After Mahwah Safe Was Stolen

MAHWAH, NJ — A safe was stolen from a man's house Wednesday evening in what police are calling a "diversion burglary."

The safe was stolen while the homeowner spoke with a man about replacing siding on the outside of his house, police said.

The burglary occurred at about 6 p.m.; the victim reported to police that a white Lexus or Toyota SUV pulled into their Darlington Avenue driveway while he was doing yard work, said Chief James Batelli.

The suspect talked to the homeowner and they walked into the backyard to look at siding on the house to determine if it needed to be replaced, Batelli said.

The suspect spoke to someone named "Joe" on a walkie-talkie briefly. The homeowner thought nothing of the brief conversation.

They went back into the front yard and the man said he wanted to give the victim a business card. He went to the vehicle and drove away, Batelli said.

The victim noticed a little while later that a safe was missing from his home, the chief said.

The suspect is described as white, heavy set, 50 years old, with dark hair and a mustache, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall, wearing blue jeans, white sneakers, and a white shirt.

The township requires solicitors going door to door to get a permit with a photo that must be displayed at all times.

Anyone who saw a vehicle matching the description or had someone come to their door to discuss siding or other household repairs is asked to the Detective Michael Grassi at 201-529-1000, ext. 216.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Image via Shutterstock