The Los Alamitos Police Department is educating the community to combat a form of burglary that does not occur frequently, but when it does occur it is often a high loss crime and targets the elderly and other vulnerable residents. It is suspected that these types of crimes sometimes may go unreported, as their commission requires an element of trust. The victim may feel embarrassed that their trust was violated by the criminal and may lead to the victim avoiding reporting the incident.
In Los Alamitos, alleged suspects have posed as estimators for home improvement work and other types of un-anticipated salespeople, calling on the victim at the front of their home.
In general, the scam goes as follows. A person approaches either the home or the resident outside. They will have a reason to sell something to you, to inspect something for you, or otherwise move you to another part of the house or yard. They may accompany you to the back yard to check on the impact of the “work they are doing next door,” or they may want you to show them the problem-plumbing fixture they would like to fix for you. In the meantime, their accomplice(s) walked in the open front or back door, or even an open window, while the resident is in the back yard or another part of the house. The accomplice(s) is looking for high value items while the resident is kept distracted. Most criminals learn their craft in short order and know where to look for cash, jewelry, strong boxes, and safes.
These criminals are appropriately dressed, articulate, have props making them look legitimate (i.e.: business cards, clip boards to jot down their estimates, etc.), and have a variety of strategies to gain your trust.
The crime is insidious as the variety of strategies, approaches, and props to gain people’s trust is only limited by their imagination. The disturbing aspect is that these ruthless people have your trust, and the criminal’s full intention is unknown.
Other methods for the suspects to gain the trust and compliance of their victims include:
- Posing as Neighborhood Watch volunteers
- Posing as utility company personnel
- Posing as a good Samaritan who is reporting an unsafe condition in or around your home
- Posing as police officers
The Los Alamitos Police Department does not want to unduly frighten residents, but it is important to be aware of techniques that are used to gain access to your home. Possible victims and their neighbors should be aware of the varieties of scams used to get through the front or back door of the home.
- Keep your doors locked and attempt to identify callers at your front door before opening. Some people fear that they may be construed as being rude. It is NOT rude to ensure your safety and the safety of your family and property. If the caller does not agree with this treatment, they can leave quietly.
- Utility companies are aware of these types of situations and should have procedures in place for a resident to call and verify the identity of an employee before a resident allows access to the home or property. These companies often hire contractors, who may not have utility company uniforms but they should have some type of identification and they should have a procedure of identifying themselves with the contracting employer. Residents should look up the phone number of the utility company themselves, rather than using a telephone number provided which may go directly to an accomplice.
- Use caution when people you do not recognize attempt to distract you by claiming they have seen something unsafe or dangerous in your yard or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house. Accomplices may be nearby waiting for the opportunity to take advantage.
- If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbor to be present upon their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
- Remember a genuine caller won't mind waiting while you check their identity thoroughly.
- Please look out for your elderly relatives and neighbors as these criminals identify them as an easy target.
Treat every stranger with caution, if you are suspicious of the person’s actions or are unable to reasonably identify the person initiating contact with you in these circumstances, don’t hesitate to call the Police Department and ask for assistance. The Los Alamitos Police Department would much rather respond and determine the situation is as it should be, rather than be called later and find that our resident has been the victim of this scam.