State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating two very similar incidents, one in which a large amount of cash was taken, in which three persons were involved and elderly Schuylkill County residents are the victims. Both occurred on Thursday, Jan. 20.

About 3:45 p.m. three hispanic males, between the ages of 35-50, wearing what appeared to be work clothing, arrived at the home of Chester Luckenbill, 82, and Gladys Luckenbill, 79, at 14 Heather Lane, Pine Grove Township. One of the suspects distracted Chester Luckenbill claiming he had been contracted to install fencing along the adjoining property line. While the suspect led him outside, a second entered the residence. That suspect distracted Mrs. Luckenbill by claiming he was working installing a water line in the neighborhood and told her to run her water to check if it was clear.While both victims were distracted the third suspect entered the home and rummaged through a bedroom. Taken from the home of about $6,000 in cash, troopers said. The three suspects fled the scene in a beige or gray in color either a small sports utility vehicle (SUV) or a minivan.The second incident occurred at the residence of Earl George Hoffman, 81, and Edith Virginia Hoffman, 81, of 1812 Long Run Rd., Schuylkill Haven, North Manheim Township. Three suspects arrived at the residence between 3:45 and 4 p.m. One suspect said he was contracted to install a fence along an adjoining property line and took Earl Hoffman outside to check the area. The second suspect entered the home and distracted Mrs. Hoffman by asking her to check her water as he was involved in installing a water line. The third suspect was still outside in the vehicle when Mr. Hoffman returned to the home. At this point the two suspects fled to the vehicle and all three left the scene. In the second case nothing was reported taken. In this incident the victims described the suspects as Middle Eastern males in a gray in color SUV.Anyone with information concerning either incident is asked to call troopers at (570) 593-2000.