Police Warn Of Distraction Burglaries In Roselle Park

ROSELLE PARK, NJ — Several Roselle Park residents have reported incidents of distraction burglary in the borough.

"Roselle Park Police have received several confirmed reports of individuals attempting convince our residents to allow entry into their home," police reported.

Each time an unknown man would ring the doorbell or knock on the front door and give the homeowner an excuse for the need to enter the home.

Excuses include checking on the utilities to avoid a potential problem (such as a water leak or gas leak) or in one case he tries to convince the resident to exit their home to look at another part of the property, such as their roof or the back yard, police reported.

In another case the man wanted to enter the home to look for an incorrectly delivered item, police said

All of the residents did not allow the man to enter and called police. The incidents are not known to be related.

The men have been reportedly wearing an orange or brightly-colored vest or a lanyard or neck chain with identification or official-looking utility credential to making it appear they are legitimate, police said.

In the other incident the man was dressed in casual clothing.

"We recognize that there have been a large amount of utility or construction projects going on throughout the borough. Observing legitimate utility workers working on our streets and around our homes has become commonplace causing your guard to be down, but we urge all residents to be extra attentive to any suspicious vehicles or behavior by anyone regardless of their attire or clothing. Scammers and criminals use these activities to make their activities appear legitimate," police reported.

Residents should call the police if they see suspicious activity to verify any situation.

Last week, similar incidents were reported in both Watchung and North Plainfield where two men were soliciting door to door for an unknown company. They are believed to be connected to a home burglary in North Plainfield. (See Related: 2 Men Wanted In Watchung And North Plainfield)

Roselle Park Police offer the following advise to residents:

• Do not allow any person yo do not known into you home.
• Do not allow any person to convince you to exit your home to check on another area of your property.
• Do not open the door to unexpected visitors without first looking through a window or locked storm door.
• If possible have your phone in your hand when you answer the door to an unexpected visitor.
• Call 911 in an emergency or use Roselle Park Police'e non-emergency line, 908-245-2300, if you observe suspicious activity anywhere.
• To verify the permit status of canvassers or door to door solicitors contact police at 908-245-2300.

"We are actively investigating these incidents and encourage everyone watch out for each other. Many of these actors prey on the elderly who may live alone," Roselle Park Police said. "Please pay special attention to your elderly neighbors if and when you see what appear to be contractors or out of the ordinary visitors at their homes."

(Image via Shutterstock)

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