An elderly Ashmont woman was the apparent victim of scam artists who entered her home on Monday morning after luring her into her backyard. According to a Boston Police report, the Lombard Street resident told police that a man rang her doorbell on Monday morning and said he was a tree pruner working on a project at the adjacent All Saints Church.

After locking her front door, the woman exited a side door to inspect the trees with the “worker” for about ten minutes. When she returned inside, she found that cabinet doors and bureau drawers were open in her kitchen and bedroom. No items were reported stolen.

Police checked with a construction supervisor at the All Saints Church property— where an extensive renovation project is underway. Police were told that no workers were in contact with neighbors or trimming trees on Monday.

Boston Police Captain Richard Sexton said that there have been reports of men posing as utility workers talking their way into homes in the city in recent months. He advised that neighbors stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Boston Police via 9-1-1.