The Arcadia Police Dept. sent out a message over the Nixle system about a wave of "distraction burglaries" in their area that we think is worth passing on:

The Be Aware of Residential Distraction Burglaries! Do not allow persons in your home without verified identification.

The Arcadia Police Department has experienced an increase in reports of residential distraction burglaries in recent weeks.  The suspects in these incidents are commonly referred to by the victims as “Gypsy” type individuals, or "Travelers".  The method of distraction involves the suspects portraying themselves as officials with various government agencies or sub-contractors through government agencies.  Such vocations represented are:  Department of Water & Power employees, city public works, construction employees, and tree trimmers.

These crimes occur during day time hours and focus on elderly victims.  Once the suspect gains the victim’s trust and confidence, the suspect is allowed inside and occupies the victim.  A second suspect then enters the residence and commits the theft.  The victim is unaware their valuables have been stolen and ultimately both suspects leave the residence minutes apart.

The Arcadia Police Department is reminding residents to be aware of these crimes of trickery and encourage them to never allow anyone inside of their homes without positively verifying the individual’s identity and employer.