EAST FRANKLIN TWP, Armstrong County — A 91-year-old man had $6,000 stolen from his home Thursday afternoon in a suspected distraction-style burglary.

The break-in happened a day after state police issued a public warning for residents to be on the watch for so-called “distraction burglars.”

In the latest burglary about 3 p.m., police believe the victim was lured outside his home on East Brady Road by an unknown man claiming he was a surveyor. The suspect asked for the homeowner to point out his property lines, police said.

While the suspect talked with the victim in the back yard, he used a portable radio to contact an accomplice, according to a police report. Police believe while the first suspect kept the victim distracted for 10 to 15 minutes out back, the second unseen suspect went into the front of the house and used a prying tool to force open a safe in a bedroom.

The $6,000 currency in the safe was in mixed denominations, police said,

The homeowner described the first suspect as dark-complected white or Hispanic. He was driving a silver or gray sport utility vehicle.

The incident appears to be a textbook case of a distraction burglary, investigators said, where elderly homeowners are often the target.

On Tuesday in an apparent similar crime, state police said, an 88-year-old woman had jewelry stolen from her home on Butler Road in East Franklin Township.

Troopers said an unknown white woman described as about 5 feet tall with black and gray hair, posed as a surveyor for a plumbing company and requested the victim go outside to the back of the home.

The suspect soon began talking to someone on a portable radio. She fled the scene after about 15 minutes.

The victim later discovered she was missing jewelry.

Police are investigating another recent distraction burglary in Perry Township, Mercer County. But they suspect other homeowners have been victimized but either have not discovered anything missing yet or are too embarrassed to come forward.

Police warn residents not to let anyone in their homes and not to go outside with anyone unless they know the other person.

If in doubt, police said, call the company the individual is claiming to be with to confirm their visit, or ask for identification.