A nicely dressed man tells you that his car broke down just down the road… and would you mind if he used the phone to call for some help.
The good Samaritan in you wants to help immediately.
"Why of course you can use the phone", you might say.
However, here lies the problem.
Are you helping an innocent victim…
Or will you become the innocent victim...of a distraction burglary.
A Distraction Burglary?
Perhaps this is a new phrase to you. Unfortunately, it is not a new crime concept. For you see, over 12,000 distraction burglaries occur each year.
What Is Distraction Burglary?
A stranger tries to get into your home to use the phone, check the meter or give an estimate for work that you never requested.
As you can imagine, they often target the elderly & infirm. (So review these points with your parents & grand parents)
A criminal can either work alone or with an accomplice. As one does the "distracting" the other does the stealing.
How To Protect Yourself From Distraction Burglary & Distraction Scams
1) Never allow unannounced or uninvited contractors offering to do free estimates into your home unless you call them & invite them.
2) Do not open the door to anyone that you do not know. Instruct your children to do the same
3) If you must talk to some one...either talk from a window...or talk thru a crack in the door while using your door chain
4) Is your rear door locked at all times? Imagine answering the front door while someone is entering the back door. Its scary to think that people would be so brazen to do this...but it does happen.
5) Check for ID! Make a phone call to the proper authorities to see if they are really legitimate.
6) Finally to protect yourself from distraction crimes is to go to Home Depot & pick up a few peep hole viewrs. Then install a peephole in your front & back door!
F.Cheshire is a Home Security System Consultant in Atlanta Georgia.
To read the rest of this article on Securtiy System Insurance Discounts go to his website.
http://www.securitysystemconsulting.com/securityarticles/distractionburglary.html
For more articles on home security & security systems go to his blog @ http://www.securitysystemconsulting.blogspot.com
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