Crime & Safety
Cops: Distraction Burglaries Continue to Plague Nassau
Nassau County Police are investigating another incident in a series of "distraction burglaries" across the area.
Nassau County Police are warning residents to be vigilant after another report of a distraction burglary that targeted an elderly couple in Valley Stream.
The method burglars use is to pose as a surveyor or contractor and approach the homeowner in their residence and to distract them in conversation, cops said. The perpetrators then lead the homeowner into a rear yard while accomplices enter the home and swipe valuables.
Perps have posed as utility workers and water department representatives in recent incidents, cops said.
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Similar burglaries have been reported in Syosset, Westbury, and New Hyde Park in the past two months, according to police.
“If you see a utility truck or a contracting vehiclewith one of your elderly neighbors, be a good neighbor,” Inspector Kenneth Lack said, according to Newsday. “Go up and say, ‘Hey, did you expect someone today?’”
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Nassau County Police released the following guidelines to guard against these incidents:
Make sure your doors and windows are locked even when you are at home.Set your home burglar alarm system every time you leave your house even if it’s for a short period of time. Lock valuables in a safe and don’t leave cash and jewelry in a conspicuous place such as the bedrooms, kitchen, or counter.Ask for proper identification of individuals before you allow them onto your property or into your home, especially if you are not expecting anyone. Any Nassau County employee will have photo identification.If you are unsure of a persons credentials, ask for an office call back number.Cops said residents should call 911 immediately if they see suspicious activity.
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