Crime & Safety

Cops: 'Distraction Burglaries' Striking Nassau

Criminals posing as utility workers, distract homeowners while accomplices swipe valuables, cops say.

Nassau County Police have released a warning to all residents about a trend of "distraction burglaries" plaguing the county.

Detectives have reported a series of burglaries and scams where a team of criminals distract homeowners and commit burglaries behind their backs.

The method burglars use is to pose as a surveyor or contractor and approach the homeowner in their residence and to distract them in conversation, cops said. The perpetrators then lead the homeowner into a rear yard while accomplices enter the home and swipe valuables.

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In recent reports, perps have posed as utility workers, detectives said.

Related: Man Poses as National Grid Worker, Burglarizes Home of 79-Year-Old Woman

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Nassau County Police released the following guidelines to guard against these incidents:

  1. Make sure your doors and windows are locked even when you are at home.
  2. Set your home burglar alarm system every time you leave your house even if it’s for a short period of time. 
  3. Lock valuables in a safe and don’t leave cash and jewelry in a conspicuous place such as the bedrooms, kitchen, or counter.
  4. Ask for proper identification of individuals before you allow them onto your property or into your home, especially if you are not expecting anyone. Any Nassau County employee will have photo identification.
  5. If you are unsure of a persons credentials, ask for an office call back number.

Cops said residents should call 911 immediately if they see suspicious activity.


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