Nassau County Police Warn About Distraction Burglaries

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Nassau County police are warning residents to be on the lookout for transient burglars posing as contractors or utility workers.

The Police Department issued an advisory Monday saying the warmer weather brings out the criminals and that there is an organized group of burglars active in Nassau County, WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported.

Police said generally one burglar, posing as a worker of some sort, will distract a resident while an accomplice enters the home through an open window or garage door.

Cops are advising residents take the following steps:

• Make sure all doors and windows are locked, even when you're at home.
• Set your burglar alarm every time you leave your house, even if it's for a short period of time.
• Lock valuables in a safe, and keep cash and jewelry out of sight.
• Ask for proper identification of individuals before allowing 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.

"You're much more likely to be a victim if you leave your doors open, you leave your pocketbook in plain view, you leave things near open windows or doors," police Lt. Gary Shapiro said.