Recently, An elderly couple aged 81 and 86 were victims of a deception burglary. The criminals pretended to be from the water company and were let into the house by the couple. As the couple was being distracted their home was being ransacked. This is the first of this type of crime since the start of 2009, 3 total happened in 2008.
Unless you know there is a problem with your utility service demand ID and do not let them in, call 911.
The 63 precinct crime prevention officer recommends the following tips for home security.
- Make sure all areas around your house are well lit.
- All exterior doors should be constructed of a thick solid wood core or metal clad door and supported by a strong door frame.
- Dead-bolt and drop-bolt locks are preferred. Auxliary locks are recommended for extra security.
- The roof hatch can be secure with the use of 4 hook and eye devices or slide bolts on 2 opposite sides of the hatch.
- Basement windows should be secured with grills or bars that contain safety latch for immediate opening. Fire escape windows should use a ferry gate approved by The New York City Fire Department.
- Air conditioners should be secured to the window and or wall opening to prevent them from being pulled out or pushed in.
If you are interested in a security survey of your house or have any information regarding criminal activity please call Police Officer Phil Benoit at the 63 Precinct Crime Prevention Unit 718-258-1505.
The water company?? That’s a dead give away. NYC doesn’t have a water company, it’s DEP, and they will have a huge, noisy truck.