Police Warn Westport Residents Of Distraction Larceny Scam

WESTPORT, CT — Police warn Westport residents not to fall victim to a "distraction larceny," which typically results in a person's valuables being stolen while they are paying attention to something else.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, police provided an example of a distraction larceny in which a person will approach a potential victim in a public setting, such as a parking lot, and say the victim's car has been damaged.

While the victim is distracted inspecting the alleged damage, an accomplice will enter their car unnoticed and steal valuables.

"Of course, the method used to distract a potential victim may vary," the post reads, "but the goal of the suspect is to divert your attention in some manner so that their partner can perpetrate the theft."

Police warn anyone approached in such a manner to stay alert and focused, and always remember to report any suspicious activity.

Read the post in full on the department's Facebook page.