file photo by Boyd Loving
October 18,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office advises that if you have an elderly parent. A grandparent. Someone who lives alone. Someone who might not question a stranger knocking on their door. These are the people who are selected by scammers and fraudsters…and now burglars too!
Lately across Bergen County, and throughout northern New Jersey, we’ve been hearing of more and more strangers knocking on doors and preying on those who live alone. It is called “Distraction Burglary.”
Basically, someone… impersonating a utility worker (e.g., PSE&G or Suez Water), a town inspector, or even someone pretending to be a police officer (wearing street clothes)…these guys can be clever…he knocks on your door. He talks his way inside, usually spinning a tale about a water leak, a problem with your pipes, or some other “urgent” matter. He talks and walks you around your own home to keep you DISTRACTED while his partner in crime slips into a bedroom to grab valuables, cash, whatever is there for the taking.
But don’t fall for it! Utility workers wear clearly marked uniforms and carry identification. They also drive marked vehicles. You can and should call your utility company to confirm they have a worker stopping by. Make the stranger wait outside (* DON’T INVITE A STRANGER INSIDE! *). Same for police officers…those detectives in plainclothes can have a uniformed officer driving a marked police car join them when in doubt.
So, if you have a loved one who lives alone or who is elderly, make sure they understand this! Swipe through the tips above. Know this stuff. And share it. It’s important.
Check on your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Don’t fall for a trick. Don’t let them fall for a trick like this!! Be vigilant. Call your local police or dial 9-1-1 to report something suspicious. Be safe.
That’s why I have a BB gun shoot them in the ass