Home Invasion Burglaries/Diversion Thefts

These burglaries and thefts usually target elderly citizens distracted by one subject while others enter the residences and steal items of value. In these incidents, typically one subject approaches the home, lures the resident(s) to the rear of the property by saying he was surveying the property, checking property lines to install a fence for a neighbor, or removing trees or other items at the direction of the municipal authorities or a neighbor. Other subjects then enter the house and remove valuables. Sometimes, the subjects used walkie-talkie type phones to communicate with one another.

Prevention Tips

• Always lock doors - both front and back - when doing yard work, getting mail, or anytime outside.
• Never allow strangers inside.
• Check with the appropriate company or authority by telephone if an employee wants to enter your home, or wants you to come outside with them.
• If you do not see any identification, ask for it, however, these criminal have become adept at making their own identification cards. Each individual's identification should be verified with their respective company.
• Write down the license plate number of any suspicious vehicle they may be operating. Try and get a good physical description of anyone who comes to your door.
• Call the police before the theft occurs… in other words call for the police if you are even the least bit suspicious you are being victimized.
• Call the police to report the incident immediately. Never be too embarrassed to report that you've been victimized or swindled.
  

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