Shaker Heights Police Warn Residents About Possible Break-Ins

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH - Police are warning residents about a recent scam criminals are using to gain access to homes. The department posted a statement on their Facebook noting that criminal have been using stolen minivans or work vans for anonymity.

According to the statement, they drive around during daylight hours impulsively looking for an opportunity to break into a residence. They likely choose this time of day to enhance the opportunity that people will be away from home when they act. Common behavior is for the van to park just across the street or in a nearby drive while someone approaches a residence. One or more of the criminals will loudly knock on a resident’s door, or repeatedly ring a doorbell while looking through windows for signs of activity. If they hear a response from within the home, criminals routinely say they were mistakenly at the wrong location. If there is no response from inside the residence, they quickly act with force to enter the home and remove items they can quickly sell.

Police ask that if you seem something like this happening at your residence or in your neighborhood, contact Shaker Heights police immediately.

"Though there is a chance that contractors or the general public could be at the wrong address, it’s best for us to just make sure there is no criminal intent," the statement says. "Understanding the behavior of criminals operating in Greater Cleveland is key to preventing crime from happening in our city. Just remember, call us if you need us, we are always here."

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