Burglary Scam Uses Kids, Fake Basketball Team: St. Paul Police

SAINT PAUL, MN — Police are warning Saint Paul residents about a scam involving kids asking for donations to a fake basketball program.

"Since May 1 we’ve seen a rash of burglaries in the Mac-Groveland and Summit-University neighborhoods," police said. "But these aren’t your typical burglars … because they are kids."

Here’s how the scam works:

Boys go door-to-door soliciting for donations to the "Webber Park Spartan" basketball team. If no one answers, they walk around the houses looking for entry points.

Once they find a way in, they burglarize the houses, police said.

Here’s what to look for:

• Kids between 11 and 16.
• Kids going door-to-door between noon and 8 p.m.
• Kids handing out a flyer (see below)

Authorities ask that residents keep their doors locked, even if they are in the yard.

If you go on an extended vacation, tell a trusted neighbor who can keep an eye on your home or call the Saint Paul Community Engagement Unit at (651) 266-5485 and have your home added to the house watch program.

Photo: Shutterstock / Morrow Photos