Crime prevention reminder - don't invite ANY stranger into your house

Okay no doors open to strangers, but aren't Pacifica criminals more likely break into our cars? 

Pacifica Tribune, 9/4/12.  "Pacifica Police offer crime prevention advice."

I'm the utility man

Nope, we don't open the door

"A common criminal activity is for thieves, posing as utility workers, to gain entrance to homes by feigning a problem with a utility. They tell the homeowners they need access to the home to "check the problem." Once inside, the thieves ask the resident to help them by performing a task in another part of the home.

While the homeowner is distracted, the "utility worker" or an "accomplice" steals cash and or jewelry from the home. 

Be Safe and Please Follow These Simple Crime Prevention Tips: NEVER let any strangers into your home. If a stranger comes to your door, talk to him or her from behind a closed and locked door. A peep hole in the door provides the resident an opportunity to see who is outside prior to engaging in conversation with a stranger. ALWAYS ask for identification from utility workers who need to enter your home.

Got ID, where's your truck?

I see you too

If you are not aware of a problem, or you are not comfortable with the identification the worker has presented, have him or her wait outside your home and contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or AT&T at 1-800-288-2020 to confirm the worker should be at your home.  If you are unsure about any aspect of this visit, do not allow the worker access to your home! Contact Pacifica Police Department immediately at 650-738-7314 or 9-1-1! Please help us keep Pacifica safe. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and call the Pacifica Police."

Report crime reference -  Pacifica Police website. 

Related article - Pacifica Tribune, 8/28/12. "Police beat", 8/26/12.

Posted by Kathy Meeh