4 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Distraction Burglars

By Rich Scinto

Police in several Fairfield County communities are warning residents to be wary of distraction burglaries after people have been victimized.

The burglary typically involves the thief pretending to be a utility worker such as a power or water company technician.

The thieves have worn fake identification badges in some of the past incidents.

Elderly residents are often targeted for several reasons, according to Darien Police. They are more likely to live alone and are more likely to need various types of yard work done. Thieves also prey on the willingness to be cooperative and trusting.

In some instances one person will distract the victim outside while an accomplice sneaks inside to steal items like cash and jewelry. In other cases two people enter the home with the victim and steal while the victim isn’t looking.

Some of the incidents include:

• Nov. 23 a man pretended to be a water company employee in Darien and gained access to the home. Nothing was taken.
• Nov. 16 two people pretended to be Eversource power company employees in Darien and attempted to gain access to a home. The owner was suspicious and didn’t let them inside.
• Nov. 23 A man pretended to be a tree technician in Trumbull while an accomplice snuck in and took cash and jewelry.
• Nov. 21 a man pretended to be water company employee in Norwalk and said he needed to check a leak in the basement. He flushed toilets and ran water to cover up the sound of his accomplice who was stealing items in a locked chest.
• Late September a man talked to a woman about fence work in Greenwich while an accomplice stole cash and jewelry.
• July a pair of thieves pretended to be water company technicians and gained access to a Darien home. Grandparents and a grandson were home at the time.

Here are 4 tips on avoiding distraction burglaries:

1. Be especially wary of anyone claiming to be a utility employee when no work has been scheduled.
2. Ask for proper photo identification for all utility workers. If you are unsure about the validity of identification call the utility company to confirm.
3. Be wary of anyone who unexpectedly solicits for contract work such as fencing and tree trimming.
4. Contact police immediately about suspicious events. If possible give police a description of the suspect(s) and/or vehicle used.