Munster Police Warn Residents Of Distraction Thefts & Scams
The Munster Police Department would like to warn area senior citizens that Munster has experienced two recent incidents involving individuals who were reportedly posing as either utility or construction employees, according to Munster Police.
On February 4th at 1:10 PM in the 1800 block of Somerset Drive, a black male suspect wearing a construction-style vest reportedly advised that he was from the Munster Water Department while claiming that he needed to check the water lines due to possible bacteria build-up. The suspect was let inside where he ran water in the kitchen while speaking through a portable radio. After he left, the resident found that a second suspect had entered the home while she was distracted and removed jewelry from a bedroom, police said.
On February 13th at 2:00pm in the 7700 block of Hohman Avenue, two Hispanic male suspects reportedly came to the door advising that work would be done next door and asked to come inside to discuss it. While the homeowners were being distracted in the living room, they saw that another suspect had entered through the back door and ordered them all to leave the residence. Cash was found to have been stolen from a bedroom.
Be aware that these suspects will often pose as town employees, construction workers, home improvement workers, or utility employees while advising that either work will be done near their residence or that there is a utility issue. They may wear construction vests or hard hats and often talk to accomplices through two-way radios. They may also be wearing false identification.
“Residents are advised to never let strangers into their home and to always keep exterior doors closed and locked along with storm doors if they are present,” Munster Police said. “Speak with unknown visitors through a side window and take a house key and cell phone with you if you are working in the yard while making sure that your home is locked. Always call 911 to report suspicious individuals immediately to police.
