Recently I have noticed more unfamiliar faces. I walk down the street and I have to check around before I open the door to my house. The worst is people have been ringing my doorbell, as well as my neighbor's, asking for money because their car broke down and they need some money to get help. Tonight was the second time someone have done this. The first time we said no...this time I just gave him the money so he would leave. Was that wrong? I tried calling the local police to confirm the incident (that he was locked out of his car but the police can't open the car door because the air bags were open) but no one picked up my calls at the 112th precinct. I will try again later but I wanted to warn people to beware.

By Worried neighbor

Strangers in the neighborhood

Do not open your door or answer the doorbell if you are not expecting a guest! This is a fairly common scam. It's good that they were only getting money from you and not somethign worse, like your life!

The 112th preceinct often doesn't answer the phone, because it is staffed by mostly volunteers who do that. Please next time call 911!
Even they take a long time to get there!

This is another reason to be involved in your community and know your neighbors!

Do you have a blockwatcher program on your block?