Crime & Safety

"Distraction Burglary" is on the Rise Around the Bay

Alleged snakes, roof repairs and more distract residents while they're robbed.

By Bay City News

Whether it's a search for snakes in Burlingame or a roof in need of repair in San Carlos, regional law enforcement agencies are encouraging residents to be aware of a new crime trend they're dubbing as "distraction burglary."

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Wednesday sent out an alert to residents about an incident on Tuesday where a man posing as a roofing contractor approached a resident at his Elm Street home and told him that he may be in need of roof repairs.

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The alleged roofer told the man that he had just completed a roofing job nearby and had some leftover materials that he could use to repair the roof.

While the resident joined the alleged roofer on the roof to inspect the damage, two additional unknown suspects, a woman and a man, entered the home through the front door and rummaged through the home, according to the sheriff's office.

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Drawers in the bedroom and a desk in the living room had been opened and rummaged through, the victim reported to the sheriff's office.

The suspects in this case are described as a Hispanic man in his 40s; a heavy set Hispanic woman and a younger Hispanic man, all of whom were seen sitting in a newer model green crew cab pick-up truck that was parked on the street.

The burglary scam is a new trend in which a two- or three-suspect team uses a distraction technique to gain access to the home by one suspect or suspects while the other suspect occupies the victim.


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