Police: Be Aware of 'Traveling Gypsies'

The Glen Cove Police Department recently sent out a pro-active alert reminding residents to take the necessary steps to protect their homes from burglars. 

This news comes after Nassau County police revealed on Tuesday that there are a crew of thieves, who authorities are calling "Gypsy Burglars," working in pairs to break into homes in the area while residents are home.

According to detectives, one suspect approaches a homeowner and engages him or her in a friendly conversation posing as a contractor, exterminator, surveyor or another home improvement specialist, while another burglar sneaks into the home, steals items and quickly exits before the victim realizes that the home invasion happened.

If the suspects get caught in the home, detectives said, they will apologize for being in the house and often state they were "looking for a friend."   

The thieves, police said, are of Eastern European decent and are believed to be related to one another. They usually travel in a car or van with out of state license plates and can be very convincing. The group of bandits includes men and women. 

No incidents have been reported in the city, but detectives said they are taking a pro-active approach in an effort to combat this crime. 

"These 'Gypsies' have not yet been seen in Glen Cove but we believe that forewarned is forearmed," said Detective Thomas Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the department.

Here are some tips that police said homeowners should follow to remain safe:

• Lock doors and windows even when you are home.
• Activate home alarm systems even when you leave the house for a short period of time.
• Lock valuables in a quality safe and don't leave cash or jewelry in conspicuous places such as bedrooms, tables and kitchen counters.
• If someone approaches you at home and you didn't have a previous appointment with them, do not let them in.
• And as is always the case, look out for your neighbors and call the police if you see or suspect suspicious activity.