Watch Out for Deception Burglars

Ah, spring!

The warm season promises blooming flowers, outdoor fun, and, if you’re not careful, the occasional deception burglary.

Deception burglaries have one common theme—distract unsuspecting homeowners while someone else enters the home.

“We don’t know why, but these scams seem to increase in the warmer months,” said Capt. J. Martin Lurz of Cockeysville Precinct 7.

Here’s how it works.

A burglar will come to your home and use some type of ruse to win your confidence. He might say he works for a satellite television company, landscaping company—anything to get you away from the door. The burglar knows that homeowners will likely leave the door open or unlocked and will then escort them out of sight.

“These guys are good at their craft,” Lurz said. “You have to be careful, they can sound really convincing.”

At this point, a second burglar will sneak in through the unlocked door and quickly steal whatever is accessible before his partner and the homeowner return.

Elderly victims are more likely to be targeted.

You might not even immediately know you are the victim of a scam.

“They target smaller, less noticeable things–credit cards, jewelry,” Lurz said. “Some people don’t even notice until they get a call from the credit card companies about suspicious activity.”

The key to prevention, as Lurz always says, is awareness.

Employees of BGE, the City Water Department and other legitimate agencies carry photo IDs and don’t mind producing proof of employment.

But don’t just stop there.

“Call the appropriate agency for verification,” Lurz said. “Look up the number in your phone book. Don’t use the number on the card they give you. It’s probably one of their buddies on the other line.”

So what can you do to prevent deception burglaries?

“Stay alert and get the word out, especially to your elderly neighbors, family members and friends,” Lurz said.

If you see any suspicious activity, call 911 immediately. Memorize the suspect’s appearance, and if you can safely obtain a vehicle description, be sure to report that to the 911 operator as well.

Deception burglars don’t tend to strike the same area too often, so more calls help police establish clearer patterns of activity.

“If someone comes to the door and you think its suspicious, don’t open the door,” Lurz said. “If you’re really worried, call 911. We’d rather come out and find out that everything is ok.”