Monrovia Police: Beware of Distraction Burglaries

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Recently, there have been a number of burglaries in the San Gabriel Valley where suspects have posed as either city workers or utility workers. Please be cautious anytime someone comes to your door claiming to be a utility worker. In these recent cases, the suspect wore a shirt and/or hat that identified him as a worker with a particular city or utility. They convinced the resident to go into the backyard to look at either an electrical pole or some other meter.  While the victim is distracted in the backyard, a second suspect enters the home, ransacking various rooms and stealing property. In each case, the suspect has either had a cell phone or wireless headset that allowed him to keep in contact with the second suspect.

Anytime someone contacts you at your residence claiming to be a utility or city worker, request that they show you valid identification.  A genuine caller will be happy to comply and there is no need to be embarrassed. Distraction burglars often target single occupant homes and the elderly, but anyone can become a victim if you are not on your guard. Remember, you do not have to open your door to anyone. If you have any concerns about the validity of their employment, please call the Monrovia Police Department and have an officer come out and verify that they are a legitimate utility or city worker.