ATLANTA — Two men accused of working together to distract an Atlanta couple and steal $100,000 worth of jewelry from their home last month have been arrested, WSB-TV reported.
Police told the news station that Justin Frank, 27, and Jacob Mitchell, 23, posed as tree trimmers on May 29 while in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Surveillance video obtained by WSB showed one of the men talking to a woman at a home on West Paces Ferry Road. He said that he was working on a neighbor’s yard, WSB reported.
“I’m just going to show you exactly what we’re doing,” he can be heard saying before the woman agrees to meet him in the back of the house.
The video then shows a second man walk up to the house and knock before checking other entrances to the home. WSB reported that he entered the house through a back door.
Authorities have arrested Frank in New Orleans and picked up Mitchell in Houston, according to the news station. The men are charged on warrants out of Florida while Atlanta police work to secure warrants related to the May 29 burglary, WSB reported.
Police told the news station that they continue to investigate whether any other people in the neighborhood may have fallen victim to the scheme.
“This is stuff we’ve seen before,” Sgt. John Chafee told WSB. “If you are suspicious of what (workers in the neighborhood) are doing, you can ask questions. You can ask for a business card. You can call 911 and have police come out as well.
“If you believe they are legitimate and you are going to step outside, make sure you secure your home.”
Police continue to investigate.
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