Township Police Investigating "Residential Distraction" Robbery

Palmer Township Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in the 2700 block of Oregon Street in the township on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 27.

Township police described the robbery as a “residential distraction”, in a news release on its Facebook page. Two homeowners reported two Hispanic males, who appeared to be in their 40s and wearing all black clothing and black caps, knocked at the back door of their residence and explained they worked for an unknown company and had to check the residents’ basement pipes for dirty water.

After one of the homeowners escorted the two men to the basement of the house, one of the suspects made a remark over hand-held walkie-talkie, saying “everything was OK”, police said.

Following that remark, a second homeowner reportedly encountered another two males, also described as being in their 40s and wearing all black clothing and caps, taking items from the master bedroom of the home. The two suspects forced their way past the homeowner and fled through the rear door of the house, police reported.

Township police said the four suspects were last seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle only described as a black utility van, heading northbound on Dunkle Street.

The homeowners reported the suspects stole a safe with an undisclosed amount of money and jewelry from dresser drawers. Palmer Township Police are advising all residents to be aware of similar incidents and are asking residents to be on the lookout for a black color utility work van.

Homeowners are urged to call 911 for any similar incidents. Police are urging anyone with information regarding this robbery to contact the Palmer Township Police at (610) 253-5844.