Beware Distraction Burglaries: Avon Lake Police

AVON LAKE, OH — Avon Lake police are warning residents about the threat of distraction burglaries.

The police department said neighboring communities are seeing an uptick in distraction burglaries, though residents in Avon Lake have not yet reported being targeted.

What is a distraction burglary? It typically involves two burglars and a resident. One burglar pretends to be from a home repair service and parks a work truck in the resident's driveway or on the street nearby. That burglar distracts the resident, telling them about the home repair service (or some other service) and then tours the home. When the resident is outside, or otherwise isolated, the second burglar will go into the house and steal valuables, according to Solon police.

"We are not immune from this occurring in our city," police said. "Should anyone come to your house claiming to be with a utility service, feel free to call the Avon Lake police department. We can and will verify the legitimacy of contractors/utility workers."

If someone knocks at a resident's door, the resident should ask:

• Was I expecting anyone?
• Does this person have identification or associated paperwork? If someone claims to be from a utility company (or any company), ask why they are at your house.
• If there is any doubt about the validity of the worker, call the company directly and ask if someone has been sent to your house. When calling the company, always find a phone number online or from a bill you have. Do not trust numbers given to you by workers at the door.
• Is my back door locked? Ensure your house is secure before answering the front door.

"Subjects intent on gaining access to your property may be working in pairs – while one distracts you at your front door the other may be trying to enter your property via the back," police said.

Avon Lake municipal workers should always be wearing a city-issued identification.