Beware of strangers.
Middle Village residents are cautioned to check identification before opening their doors and unwittingly inviting in crooks who may be posing as Con Edison workers.
“This isn’t a new crime,” said Robert Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association and chair of the public safety committee of Community Board 5. “It happens over and over again.”
According to a report from the 104th Precinct, on January 18, a 78-year-old woman and her 87-year-old husband opened the door of their home on 60th Drive to two white males claiming they were from Con Edison to investigate a possible leak in their home. Once inside, the thieves stole $900 in cash before authorities were notified. The elderly couple was described by Holden as “unfortunately very trusting, like most people are.”
Holden advised residents that the best way to prevent any intrusions is to “not open the door unless you have a prior appointment.” He added that thieves usually pose as utility workers claiming that they are to conduct an inspection or do repairs on the home, often targeting the elderly.
“Sometimes they’ll even distract people saying that they were victimized or had an accident, asking them for help or a simple phone call,” Holden said.
Police Officer Thomas Bell, community affairs officer for the 104th Precinct, urged residents to call 9-1-1 if someone knocks on their door asking to enter the home without an appointment. In a community alert letter sent out to local residents, the precinct urged people to always ask for identification before opening the door.
It also stated that crooks are using “deception tactics” to enter homes. One individual posing as a Con Edison utility worker or repairman asks to come into the home to conduct an inspection or repairs, while a diversionary tactic is used to get you to either exit your home or to get you into one part of your home, leaving another part attended. Finally, a second individual then enters and burglarizes your home.
“We speak about this at just about every meeting we attend,” said Bell. “Residents just shouldn’t open their door to strangers.”
Bob McGee, spokesperson for Con Edison, says that the safety of the customers is always a priority.
“People should always ask for ID,” McGee said. “Our people always carry identification and if anyone comes to your door and they claim to be from Con Edison, asking for an ID is the most important thing.”
Holden added that ultimately, people should exercise extreme caution whenever they hear the doorbell ring.
“The bottom line is, don’t let anyone in your home that you don’t know,” Holden said. “There are so many scams going on out there, you have to be careful.”
For safety tips or a home security survey, call the 104th Precinct Crime Prevention Officer at 718-386-6223.
