SOUTH BRUNSWICK – South Brunswick and the surrounding area have recently been experiencing what police are calling “distraction” or “diversion” burglaries.
Officer James Kraivec responded to a residence in the Charleston Place development for a distraction burglary around 1:24 p.m. on Nov. 10. The 84-year-old resident reported that at noon, two individuals had knocked on her door and claimed to be from the water department.
The suspects reportedly told the resident they needed to perform a water test and entered her apartment. After walking through the residence for roughly 15 minutes, the suspects left the area. It is still being determined if any items are missing from the residence, according to police. Charleston Place maintenance confirmed there was no scheduled work to be conducted by a water company at the residence, police said.
The first suspect is described as a white male who appeared to be 20-30 years old, wearing a dark blue shirt and jeans. The second suspect is described as a black male who appeared to be 20-30 years old, wearing a dark blue shirt and jeans. The suspects were wearing lanyards with credentials when the incident occurred, according to police.
According to the statement from the police department, “Distraction burglars normally work in pairs. Their aim is to distract you and trick their way into your home or lure you out of your home to steal your money or valuables. They may knock at your door posing as employees from your gas, water, electric, phone or TV companies. They may be very convincing, charming and persuasive. They can be young, old, male or female, or even young children. They can appear official and may be dressed with uniforms, official looking paperwork and fake IDs. Elderly and vulnerable people who tend to be more trusting are the main target of these criminals, and the consequences can be devastating for the victim and their families.”
The statement said most utility company employees no longer show up unannounced; therefore, if someone claims to be from one of these companies and he/she is genuine, he/she will have made a prior appointment. The common utility companies in the area are JCP&L, PSE&G, Verizon and Comcast. If service is from a different power, fuel or cable company, be familiar with their logos and question anyone from another agency or utility that you aren’t expecting.
Police provided tips to stay safe, such as always locking doors and using a door chain or spy-hole; calling a neighbor or nearby friend to check out the caller before opening the door; insist on checking the identity of the caller; not keeping large quantities of cash at home; and refusing to let a stranger into your home.
Call the South Brunswick Police Department to request an officer to verify the identity of the individual(s). If you are suspicious and want an immediate response, call 911.