City worker imposter robs Royal Oak couple

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) -  

A man poses as a city worker to gain access to an older couple’s home and robs them of their valuables in Royal Oak.

It happened in the 2800 block of Crooks Wednesday around 2:30 p.m.  Police said that the man knocked on the people’s door and told them he was a surveyor with the City of Royal Oak. 

The fake worker took the couple outside and talked with them for about 30 minutes about cutting their trees and bushes and then said he would be back later to do the work.

 Once he was gone, the couple realized someone else had been in their home and stole money, bonds, jewelry, even the title and registration to their vehicle. The fake worker is described as about 20-30 years old, about 140 pounds with short black hair. He wasn’t wearing any formal uniform, just a short sleeve button up shirt and light blue pants.  

 The couple tells 7 Action News that they had coincidentally made an appointment to get their trees cut this week, so that’s why they thought the man was legitimate.

The best way people can protect themselves is to always ask for credentials.  Don’t hesitate to call police if you’re not sure.