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.

Protecting Yourself at Home

Lock your door, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall. It takes a thief ten seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property.
Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep.
Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.
Do not let strangers enter your home.
Do not prop open outer doors.
If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access.
Do not put your address on your key ring.
Know your neighbors.
Do not leave keys in hiding places. Thieves will find them. Carry your keys or make sure that anyone who truly needs them has their own copy.
Call 911 to report suspicious persons or activity in or around your neighborhood.
Open a savings or checking account instead of keeping money in your room.
Keep automatic teller machine cards in a safe place, keep your PIN number secret. When possible, only use ATMs during the day.
Instead of carrying large sums of cash use a charge card. Some charge cards insure property purchased with those cards against loss, theft or damage.
If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 911; try to stay calm and get away at the first opportunity.

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