Shuls join cops to warn of summer crime wave

A crime wave is underway, perpetrated by bandits described by Nassau County police as “organized transient criminals.”

The crimes involve “organized burlaries and scams,” police said, and residents are being urged to act in a diligent manner to prevent becoming victims.

Officials pointed out that compared with wintertime burglaries, criminals have an easier time of breaking into homes in the warmer months.

The following statement by the Nassau County Police Department was distributed this week by several Five Towns area shuls to their members:

The Nassau County Police Department is advising residents that this time of the year when the warmer weather brings the homeowner out of the house and the burglar out on the prowl, open windows, doors, and garage doors are an invitation to a potential thief.

Information developed by the Nassau County Police Department’s Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Lead Development Center and the Crimes Against Property Squad indicate that a particular group of organized transient criminals are perpetrating a series of burglaries and scams throughout Nassau County.

The “modus operendi” of these criminals is to portray a utility employee, surveyor or a contractor, approach the homeowners at their residences and engage them in distracting conversation.  The subject diverts the homeowners into an area of their home or rear yard, providing a means for an accomplice(s) to surreptitiously enter the home and commit a burglary.  

There are several things residents can do to protect themselves from being victimized by these individuals:

•Make sure your doors and windows are locked even when you are at home.

•Set your home burglar alarm system every time you leave your house even if it’s for a short period of time.  

•Lock valuables in a safe and don’t leave cash and jewelry in a conspicuous place such as the bedrooms, kitchen, or counter.

•Ask for proper identification of individuals before you allow them onto your property or into your home, especially if you are not expecting anyone.  Any utility employee will have photo identification.

•If you are unsure of a person’s credentials, contact the agency they are claiming to be affiliated with and ask if they have employees working in their area.