Men Posing As Roofing Contractors Committing Burglaries
By Andrea Flores
WATTENBURG, Colo. (CBS4) - Residents in Weld and Morgan counties are on the lookout after residents in both areas were targeted by burglars disguised as roofing contractors.
The small farming community of Wattenburg is on alert after two men posing as roofing contractors burglarized an elderly couple over the weekend.
Tom Morales says the first suspect showed up on his doorstep asking to perform a routine inspection Saturday afternoon.
"He said, 'We were sent over here by the insurance to check your roof.' And I said, 'There's nothing with our roof. It was just replaced not too long ago,'" Morales said.
Even though the roof was replaced five years ago, Morales led the burglar to the back of the home to take a closer look. As the suspect distracted Morales outside, a second suspect slid through the front door and into the house while Morales' wife, who suffers from macular degeneration, rested inside.
"He said he had to check the bedrooms for a leak," said Morales.
Meanwhile, outside, Morales says when he asked the suspect for identification, the man got scared and fled.
More than $1,000 in cash was taken from the couple's home. They planned to use to money for groceries and garage repairs.
Now, Morales says he has some advice for others who may be at risk.
"Keep your doors locked and don't open your doors to anybody who comes in unless they identify themselves," Morales said.
One of the suspects is described as a younger Native American male, around 5-foot-6, with a slim build.
Authorities believe the men got away in a newer model white SUV or pickup.