Darien Police Warn "Distraction Burglars" are in our area

A "Distraction Burglary" took place in Darien today July 21, 2015 at approximately 2:30pm on Hollow Tree Ridge Rd in close proximity to the Boston Post Rd.  The victim was an elderly female resident and the two suspects posed as water company employees.  While one suspect kept the homeowner occuppied, a second suspect stole numerous items from the second floor of the residence.    

At approximately 6:30 pm on July 16, 2015, three hispanic males attempted to commit a "Distraction Burglary" at a Hollow Tree Rd residence.  The elderly resident contacted this agency to report that two men entered their residence without permission claiming to be from the water company. The men split up inside of the house and began turning on numerous faucets. Upon being asked to leave, the men fled through the front door where they met up with a third suspect on the side of the house. All three men fled towards Hollow Tree Ridge Rd but no direction of travel or vehicle description was provided by the homeowners. Nothing was reported stolen immediately following the incident.  The suspects were described as follows:

Suspect #1 was described as 18-20 yrs old, Mexican or Spanish descent, slim build, 5’9”, dirty dark green shirt, jeans and black shoes.  

Suspect #2 was described as a male in his late 30’s, Mexican or Spanish descent, heavy set, muscular, 5’7”, eyeglasses, goatee, black shirt, black pants, round face and short hair.  

Suspect #3 was described as a white male, short, wearing a blue plaid shirt.  

If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Darien Police Detective Division at 203-662-5330.

Please read the below guidelines to prevent being victimized:

Distraction burglary is a crime in which elderly persons are often the targets but not always. The perpetrator seeks to draw a resident out of the house or into the basement on a pretext. While the resident is occupied, an accomplice enters the home and steals valuables such as money and jewelry. Thieves may also take papers with the intent of committing identity theft. In a variation, the accomplice enters the dwelling by a second door while the resident is occupied at the other door.

To prevent distraction burglary, be suspicious of anyone who comes to your door under any of these guises:

  • Utility worker
  • Public official
  • Door-to-door salesperson
  • Person asking about a lost pet
  • Lost person asking for directions
  • Person asking about working on the property
  • Surveyor

In the case of someone claiming to be on official business, it's a good idea to ask for identification, but that can be faked. It's a better idea to call the agency and confirm that there are legitimate workers in the area. Be especially suspicious of anyone who wants access to your home. In addition, follow these other practices:

  • Do not leave your purse or wallet out in the open.
  • Keep jewelry and small valuables in a safe. Use jewelry boxes only for costume jewelry.
  • Keep all doors locked. If you believe a caller has a legitimate reason to get you out of the house, pick up your key and lock the house behind you.

Elderly individuals may be targeted for the following reasons:

  • They are more likely to live alone.
  • They may need help in maintaining their property and may thus be especially vulnerable to those wanting to do yard work, trim trees, maintain fencing and do similar tasks.
  • They may suffer from impaired cognition or judgment.
  • They are often conscientious individuals who want to be cooperative.

If a suspicious incident occurs, contact the Darien Police Department immediately to prevent others in your area from being victimized. It is especially important that victims do not let their embarrassment about falling for a ruse keep them from reporting the crimes. Do not let down your guard even if the person knocking on your door is female or has children in tow. This is another strategy for getting residents to relax their guard.

Be Safe. Be Smart.

 

 

 

D
Submitted by Darien, CT

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