Elderly Bellport woman robbed by men posing as chimney cleaners

BELLPORT (WABC) -- Suffolk County have arrested two men who allegedly burglarized an elderly woman's home by utilizing a home repair scam.

Authorities say 32-year-old Bruce Wimmer and 28-year-old Michael Windland entered the 92-year-old victim's home in Bellport around 2 p.m. on August 16 by pretending to be chimney cleaners.

The men reportedly identified themselves as employees of a company called New York Finest Home Improvements and said they were performing a chimney inspection.

While one of the men distracted the woman, prosecutors say the other stole $130 cash from church envelopes and $35 cash from bank envelopes.

They also purportedly stole a quantity of the victim's prescription drugs.

The men quoted a price of $3,000 for unnecessary chimney work and offered to drive the victim to her bank to withdraw the money. She declined, and the suspects made arrangements to do the work on a later date.

After the individuals left, the victim became suspicious and contacted police.

Both suspects are charged with burglary, while Windland is also facing a count of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Detectives are seeking to identify any other potential victims of these individuals. If you feel you may have been a victim of this scam, you are urged to contact the Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552.