Distraction Burglaries On The Rise: Howard County Police

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Police departments around Howard County are reporting an increase in what's called distraction burglaries, which has prompted the Howard County Police Department to warn its residents to remain vigilant.

During a distraction burglary, a suspect poses as a utility worker gains access to a home by insisting on needing to check a resident's circuit breaker, HVAC or something else. When the resident is distracted in the basement, a second suspect burglarizes the home, the police department noted.

"We’re asking you to share this message with anyone who might be vulnerable. Encourage them to remain vigilant and to never let an unknown, unexpected subject into their home. These individuals will often wear an 'official-looking' safety vest, uniform and/or a fraudulent employee badge," the police department shared on its Facebook page.

Reports of scams and deception burglaries are expected to increase as the weather warms up, the police department noted, and may start to include offers of driveway paving and resealing, tree trimming and removal, or roof repairs and inspection. The department stated that if someone seems interested in looking inside your home or is trying to distract you, close and lock the door then call 911.