Be on guard for distraction thieves. Distraction thefts occur more often than you may realize. These thefts typically include two or more individuals, and the ploy is exceedingly simple. One thief creates a distraction for the victim, while the other helps themselves to the victim’s unattended belongings. Distraction thefts take place both during the daytime and nighttime. They may happen in a parking lot of supermarkets, businesses and banks – anywhere people would feel relatively safe. These individuals may come to your door posing as inspectors, utility workers or salespeople claiming that things such as your water line, your telephone line, seawall, or even your automobile is in need of immediate attention. They may be very well dressed and appear professional. As you accompany one of the individuals outside to survey the situation, an accomplice stays behind to burglarize your home.
If a sales person, repair person or utility worker comes to your door, ask for an identification card. Then, read it carefully. If you are still not sure, close and lock the door and call the Palm Beach Police Department at 561-838-5454.
The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to be alert and cautious.