"She thought it was completely legitimate:" Men posing as utility workers steal thousands from Caledonia woman

CALEDONIA (WITI) -- Scammed and burglarized. Two criminals trick a homeowner -- and steal thousands from her. Police say they were posing as utility workers -- and now, police are issuing a warning.

Police say it all seemed legitimate -- and it wasn't until after the criminals left that the homeowner realized what happened.

"You think it's safe and quiet, but something like that opens your eyes," Don Noll, who lives in rural Caledonia said.

Last Tuesday, July 29th, the area of Highway V and 7 Mile Road became the target of two criminals.

"It's a shame that things happen like this," MaryAnn Schauer, who lives in the neighborhood said.

Police say a man came to a home in the area -- posing as a utility worker. The suspect asked the homeowner where her property ended.

"She thought it was completely legitimate. The victim went to the rear of her property -- pointed out the property line and made some small talk," Erin Laehr with the Caledonia Police Department said.

While they were out back, police say another man entered the woman's home -- prying open a safe.

"Money and a few other personal items were taken from the property," Laehr said.

Minutes after they left, the woman realized thousands of dollars were stolen.

"She went in her house and realized her safe had been pried open," Laehr said.

It is a crime that has neighbors on high alert -- and police issuing a warning.

"Every vehicle that goes by, you slow down and you take notice of them," Noll said.

"Request identification from these workers before taking them onto the property," Laehr said.

The suspects were seen driving a gray Ford F-150.

One of the men is described as having a defining lump on the right side of his neck.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact Caledonia police.