Police warning: Beware phony chimney cleaners

The Franklin Borough Police Department is advising residents of Franklin of a fraudulent chimney cleaning business that has been attempting to conduct illegal business in the borough. Over the last month, several incidents have arisen involving a fictitious company that goes by the name of BreathEasy Chimney and Duct Cleaning. Fictitious “employees” of this company have approached elderly couples and/or elderly persons telling them that their chimney needs to be serviced. After convincing the homeowner to allow them to perform work on the chimney, they demand an unreasonable payment for the work. On one occasion, work was never performed and payment was received and at a separate residence, damage was caused to the furnace and chimney before the suspects fled the scene. Franklin Police urge residents to be aware of such fraudulent business practices and are asked to contact the Franklin Borough Police and Detective Bureau if they have any information or observe any suspicious activity at 973-827-7700.