Tree Trimming Frauds Hitting Bayside and Mequon

Two fraudulent tree trimmers are on the loose in the North Shore.

A woman in the 300 block of West Ellsworth Lane called Bayside Police Dec. 21 to report two suspicious men who had just left her home.

According to the report:

Two men came to her door and told her that they were on there to trim the bushes in her rear yard. She allowed them into her home and they walked into the kitchen. The men showed her the bushes they stated they intended to trim; however, she said she had not hired anyone for any type of yard work. The woman became suspicious and when she asked both for a business card or identification, the men left.

She said the men had driven into her driveway in an older, gray/brown panel van.

After checking with other local departments, police discovered there were two similar incidents on the same day in Mequon. Officers have issued a special watch.

The woman described the first suspect as a white male, with mustache, wearing a red t-shirt with "Illinois" on the front. She said this man had “bad” body odor.

The second suspect is described as a very tall man who speaks English very well.

What should you do?

Police believe that while the men are inside the home, other individuals may be attempting to enter the home from the rear of the house in an attempt to burglarize the property. 

Anyone with any information, or having encountered the individuals are encouraged to contact the at (414) 351-8800.