(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives arrested a couple on Friday, November 20 for a deception-style burglary that was originally reported on October 21, 2015.
Al Tan, 46, and his wife, Sheila Ely, 37, posed as tree workers to gain entry to a property located on E. Carmans Road in East Farmingdale. Tan and Ely lured the victim into the rear yard claiming that they had to look at her trees that were hanging over into the neighbor’s yard. While one suspect distracted the victim, the other suspect entered the residence and stole assorted jewelry.
Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives arrested Al Tan, 46, and his wife, Sheila Ely, 37, on Friday, November 20 for a deception-style burglary. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.
Tan and Ely, who were staying at the Days Inn, located at 10 34th St. in Copiague, were arrested and charged with Burglary 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd Degree. They are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on November 21.
Deception-style burglary suspects often target the elderly and will pose as tree trimmers, roofers and driveway repairmen to get the victims out of the house. Residents should be alert for anyone who attempts to request unsolicited work at their home.
Detectives are asking anyone with information or who has been a victim of a deception burglary and has not reported the crime to contact the First Squad at 631-854-8152.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
