'Transient Criminals' Targeting Nassau Homes

A group of “organized, transient criminals” is burglarizing homes and scamming residents in the area, Nassau County Police said Monday.

Criminals have been portraying utility workers, surveyors, and contractors and engaging in distraction burglaries around Nassau County, cops said.

While one criminal distracts a homeowner in a conversation, accomplices burglarize them and leave unnoticed, cops said.

Compared with wintertime burglaries, criminals have an easier time of breaking into a home in the warmer months, officials said. Homeowners venture outside and leave windows, doors, and garages wide open in a virtual “invitation to a potential thief.”

Police are advising homeowners to take the following precautions to protect themselves:

• Make sure your doors and windows are locked even when you are at home.
• Set your home burglar alarm system every time you leave your house even if it’s for a short period of time.
• Lock valuables in a safe and don’t leave cash and jewelry in a conspicuous place such as the bedrooms, kitchen, or counter.
• Ask for proper identification of individuals before you allow them onto your property or into your home, especially if you are not expecting anyone. Any utility employee will have photo identification.
• If you are unsure of a person’s credentials, contact the agency they are claiming to be affiliated with and ask if they have employees working in their area.

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