Police are warning residents after a suspect was arrested and a second is being sought for trying to extort a homeowner in Lindenhurst during a driveway sealcoating ruse.
The Lindenhurst Police Department responded around 11:45 a.m. Monday to the 500 block of Beck Road for a report of a driveway sealcoating ruse.
Two male suspects showed up at the residence in a gray older model GMC Sierra truck, police said in a community alert.
They offered to sealcoat the driveway for a small fee, which the resident agreed to.
Police said the job was completed and one of the male suspects told the resident the cost would be significantly higher than what was agreed.
The suspects fled the area after the resident became suspicious and called the police.
Police officers located one of the suspects nearby, who was determined to be a juvenile.
The juvenile was taken into custody and later released to a relative with charges pending.
The second suspect is described as a white male, older, heavy-set, wearing a hat, a white shirt and blue pants.
Police said that common ruses involve gutter repairs, fence repairs, landscaping, sealcoating, inquiries about the home’s water supply, fake statements about problems with a neighbor’s house, questions about home property lines and brick repair.
The Lindenhurst Police Department said the public should be on the lookout for these scams.
Residents are urged not to allow anyone in their home unless an appointment was previously scheduled or they know them personally.
Residents should take notice of the vehicle and physical characteristics of solicitors who come to a residence and never leave their front door unlocked or unattended when talking with someone.
Legitimate utility or government workers will never object to being asked for their identification.
Residents should call 911 if a solicitor refuses to leave or continues using pressure tactics.
Anyone with information regarding the driveway repair ruse that occurred on Beck Road is asked to call the Lindenhurst Police Department at 847-356-5400.