They claim to work for the U.S. Government or the gas company, but what they really want is to steal from you
By:Adele Gambardella
HIGHTSTOWN This year’s United States census is offering thieves a special opportunity to gain entrance into potential victims’ homes, according to Hightstown police Detective Glenn Moore.
Detective Moore wants to warn local residents about a ring of scam artists posing as census workers, utility workers, building surveyors, home repairmen or whatever the situation calls for to rob people of their possessions.
He described an incident on Tuesday when two unidentified white men knocked on the door of a Lincoln Avenue resident, claiming to represent "Hightstown High School," referring to the current Grace Rogers Elementary School that borders the resident’s property. The men said they were going to put a fence on Lincoln Avenue for the school.
"The resident then escorted the one male into the backyard and (he) radioed the other suspect and all clear signal in code. One of the suspects entered the house and rifled through the drawers, and made off with $1,800 in cash," Detective Moore said.
The scam was also attempted at a home in East Windsor on Mercer Street, according to East Windsor Police Detective Jeffrey Valentino.
"We think it is an organized group that is committing these crimes," Detective Moore said. "They prey on older victims because they are most susceptible to these types of crimes."
"People need to be aware that these people are professionals and they can be very convincing," Detective Moore said. "They have their act down. If people are unsure they shouldn’t open their door. They should ask for proper identification, to speak with their supervisor before letting people in. People can also call the police."
Tuesday’s incident is still under joint investigation by Hightstown and East Windsor police.