Distraction burglaries involve perpetrators gaining entry into a residence under a false pretense in order to enable a crime.
The Mt. Laurel Police Department is warning residents to be aware of falling victim to a type of crime known as a “distraction burglary.”
The department defines distraction burglaries as incidents where perpetrators attempt to have residents leave their home on a false pretense or attempt to gain entry into a residence under a false pretense to enable a crime.
According to the department, residents who are being distracted by the first perpetrator in such a scenario can be left unaware when a second perpetrator or group of perpetrators enters a resident’s home to steal items of worth, such as money or jewelry.
Police officials say perpetrators of distraction burglaries will often use disguises, such as contractors, utility workers, salespersons or even a disabled motorist in need to gain the trust of their victims.
According to the police department, one common practice involves a perpetrator distracting a victim at the front door of their home while two or more perpetrators quickly sneak into the home using an unguarded back or side door.
One recent distraction burglary took place on Jan. 25 at the home of an 85-year-old woman living alone on the 1000 block of Hainesport Road.
According to police, the woman was home alone around 7 p.m. when she responded to a knock at the front door of her home.
When the victim answered the door, police say a man who claimed to be a utility worker said he needed entry to her home to shut off the power in her basement for safety reasons related to an alleged fire at the home of a neighbor.
According to police, as the woman allowed the man into her home, another man entered as well to accompany the first man and the woman to the basement.
As the resident and two men were heading to the basement, the woman noticed two more men enter the house as well, at which the woman became suspicious.
Police say when the woman asked for some type of identification, one of the men quickly flashed a card that said “State Inspector.”
Although the woman then tried to call the police, one of perpetrators took the phone from her hand as she heard the other two men upstairs in her home.
All four men eventually left the home after several minutes, after which the woman discovered the men had stolen jewelry, cash and medication.
Although the victim was unharmed, the police department has released the following tips to help residents protect themselves against similar incidents:
• Keep all exterior doors of a home secure at all times
• If someone claiming to be a utility worker or similar employee is at a residence, always ask the person to show his or her identification through a window. As identification can be faked, contact the person’s employer to verify the person’s identity. However, do not use a number provided by the unknown person.
• Do not leave valuable items of worth such as jewelry, a wallet or purse out in the open.
• If possible, keep valuable items in a safe.
Mt. Laurel Township prohibits door-to-door soliciting by those without a special permit issued by the municipality. Residents can view a list of approved solicitors operating in the township by visiting the “Approved Solicitors” page on the township website, www.mountlaurel.com, under the Municipal Clerk’s Office. According to police, if an individual is soliciting and won’t display a permit or if there are questions about the permit, call the police department’s non-emergency number at (856) 234–8300.
