Suspicious Person/Distraction Burglaries

A Beverly Road resident recently reported individuals going door to door and asking residents if they could come inside their homes to check their windows. The suspects reported that they worked for a window company but could not remember the name of the company when asked by the resident.

Please remember to contact the police department immediately if this occurs to them. Soliciting door to door in West Orange is prohibited without a permit. There are a few exceptions to this ordinance. However, this also could be a prelude to a distraction burglary where suspects gain entry to the home under false pretenses. In a distraction burglary, one suspect usually will distract the homeowner with conversation while the other will rummage through the home and take valuables. The victim usually becomes aware of the crime after the suspect leave the residence.

Residence should contact the West Orange Police Department at 973-325-4000 or in emergencies, dial 911 regarding suspicious persons.

During the U.S. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or visited by a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about the number of people living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers who are impersonating Census workers in order to gain access to sensitive financial information such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers. Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers.

The big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?

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