NCCPD Warns Residents of “Distraction Burglaries” The New Castle County Police are currently investigating a distraction burglary that occurred yesterday (10/10), during the morning hours, in the neighborhood of Glendale. A distraction burglary occurs when a visitor or salesman comes to your home and offers to do home improvements, or wants to alert you of a problem at your home. (Newark, DE. 19702) On October 11, 2014, New Castle County Patrol Officers responded to the unit block of Cynthia Road in the community of Glendale in reference to a reported distraction burglary. The victim reported three males informed them that trees needed to be trimmed in the rear of their property. The victim exited their residence for a short time and when they returned noticed property was missing. Some of the most common scams are to pave driveways, seal roofs, trim trees, or paint houses with materials that wash off in days or weeks. They will also act as utility workers or other service employees as a ruse to gain access to your residence. In some cases the scammers will lure the homeowner outside of the residence to show them the problem that needs to be corrected. While distracted outside the residence, an accomplice who is unseen by the victim, will enter the home and steal cash, jewelry, or electronics. If you have been victimized, or the victim of an attempted scam, please call the New Castle County Police at 302-573-2800 immediately. Descriptions of suspects and the vehicles they are operating are very helpful to detectives as they investigate these crimes. Follow these helpful tips that can help you from becoming a victim: • If you’re not sure who the person is behind your door, don’t open it! • If you are successfully lured outside of your home, make sure to lock the door behind you. Most importantly, make sure all entryways leading into your home are locked as well. This includes doors, windows, and the garage. • If the “con” is so convincing, call a neighbor or friend nearby to come along and check the perimeter of your home, or check on the visitor before opening your door. • If the deal sounds too good to be true it probably is. • Any person who solicits door-to-door sales to a residential home in the State of Delaware is now required to display a Salesperson Identification Card (ID card). To verify that the Salesperson ID Card is not a forgery, the names of all Salesperson ID Card holders will be available on the Division of Revenue website at revenue.delaware.gov. We advise all residents to request proper identification from these individuals before letting them into your home. As always, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles and persons to the police immediately by calling 9-1-1. If you were a witness to the above mentioned burglary, have surveillance video in the area, or believe you have been a victim of these types of distraction burglaries, or are a witness that can offer information regarding these crimes, please call the New Castle County Police Department at 302-573-2800. Citizens can also visit our website at nccpd. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook at New Castle County Police Department. Citizens who currently have the smartphone application are encouraged to use the “submit tip” tab to submit tips. Select a topic by using the “drop down” and complete the tip by “clicking” submit. The New Castle County Police Smartphone Application is free to download and available for all iPhone and Android smartphones. In the event of an emergency, citizens are urged to always call 9-1-1.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 00:28:51 +0000
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