Police warn of distraction burglaries in Montgomery County

EAST NORRITON, Pa. (WPVI) -- Homeowners in Montgomery County are learning about a scam that's going around in one community.

Criminals are pulling off so-called distraction burglaries by posing as utility workers.

A phone message has been sent out to residents about what to do should a worker turn up at their door unscheduled and uninvited:

"Ask for ID, do not open your door, and call 911."

On Tuesday, police say a man in a simple blue uniform went to an East Norriton house and told the homeowner he was putting in a fence at a neighboring property. He asked the homeowner to come outside to help him find the property line.

Chief Karyl Kates says the bogus worker was in a generic white SUV, had a walkie-talkie, and broadcast that and the homeowner were out of the house.

"The victim was obviously distracted which allowed for a second suspect to enter the residence from a side door," Kates said.

The second suspect was met by the wife. She too was distracted.

"Which then allowed for a third suspect to enter and rummage through some of their personal property," Kates said.

It's called a distraction burglary.

On Thursday, neighboring Plymouth Township released sketches of two white males, who posing as utility workers and with walkie-talkies distracted another couple as a third person stole items from that couple's home.

With multiple incidents in the area, East Norriton officials were concerned enough to use the computerized system that sends out warning phone calls, texts, and emails.

"We've had several occurrences and they were successful occurrences. We felt it was appropriate to alert all our residents," Township Manager Donald Delamater said.

Again, the chief says if someone you don't know comes to your door unannounced, don't open up.

"Call 911, let them know you are calling 911 because if someone is there legitimately, they will wait police to arrive to be properly identified. If they are not there legitimately, they won't stick around long enough for us to get there," Kates said.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects in the sketches should call police.