We are having a string of ''diversion burglaries'' in the Mesa area targeting elderly residents.
A diversion burglary or distraction crime is when a person attempts to lure an elderly homeowner outside while an accomplice enters the home and commits burglary. The criminal will use some kind of ruse to get the homeowner outside, such as telling them they are with the City of Mesa and need to check the water, tell the elder they bought the house next door and needs to see the tree in the backyard that overhangs the property, or some other reason to get the owner outside. In other cases a female may approach the home asking for water for her child because their vehicle has broken down nearby.
The suspects are usually a male and female and often the female is holding a child. The suspects are taking cash and jewelry.
If someone approaches your home, please do not open the door to him or her.
If they say they are with the City of Mesa, you should ask for identification and then call their office to verify their identity using numbers from the phone book, not a number they give you. Write down as much information as you can about the person's description, including any vehicle information and call Mesa Police at (480) 644-2211.
For further information on other scams in the Valley, please visit www.cityofmesa.org/police/fraud/default.asp.
A diversion burglary or distraction crime is when a person attempts to lure an elderly homeowner outside while an accomplice enters the home and commits burglary. The criminal will use some kind of ruse to get the homeowner outside, such as telling them they are with the City of Mesa and need to check the water, tell the elder they bought the house next door and needs to see the tree in the backyard that overhangs the property, or some other reason to get the owner outside. In other cases a female may approach the home asking for water for her child because their vehicle has broken down nearby.
The suspects are usually a male and female and often the female is holding a child. The suspects are taking cash and jewelry.
If someone approaches your home, please do not open the door to him or her.
If they say they are with the City of Mesa, you should ask for identification and then call their office to verify their identity using numbers from the phone book, not a number they give you. Write down as much information as you can about the person's description, including any vehicle information and call Mesa Police at (480) 644-2211.
For further information on other scams in the Valley, please visit www.cityofmesa.org/police/fraud/default.asp.
