Seniors urged to stay alert for burglaries
BY LARRY HLAVENKA JR.
Staff Writer

HOWELL - Police are asking senior citizens to remain alert in guarding themselves against so-called impostor burglaries. According to authorities, an impostor burglary involves a group of thieves who act cooperatively to scam their target.

In one type of deception, one person will tell a homeowner that he is a township employee or a utility employee, thereby gaining entrance to the home. Once the homeowner is distracted, a second person enters the home and commits a robbery.

On Oct. 12, a 72-year-old woman's jewelry box was taken after she allowed an unknown man access to her home on Squankum-Yellowbrook Road. In that case the man identified himself as an employee of Howell. He said he needed to inspect the woman's property for authorized tree removal.

Howell police Detective Thomas Rizzo said the man who approached the woman is described as being about 5-feet, 10-inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, wearing a gray sweatshirt and a Howell baseball hat. He left the scene in a dark-colored Chevrolet car and drove toward Interstate 195.

Rizzo asked anyone with information regarding the suspect to contact the Howell Police Department Detective Division at (732) 938-4575.

Detective Anthony Romano said although "there is no epidemic at this point" in terms of a rash of thefts, seniors should remain vigilant.

"I want to give the seniors a head's up because that's who they target," Romano said.

Other variations of the crime include individuals posing as landscapers, tree cutters or fence installers, according to police. The thieves may dress in overalls or work gear to perpetuate the ruse.

Another variation of the scheme involves the subjects stating they are from a driveway sealing service. After offering the service at a low price - contingent on cash payment - the thieves observe where the homeowner stores his money. Police said the subjects then use material that is of poor quality to seal the driveway and may return at a later date to perpetrate the full scam.

Police reminded residents that Howell employees or utility employees will always carry a detailed identification card. Police also said legitimate employees rarely arrive at a home unannounced.

Should an ID card or individual seem suspicious, police are encouraging residents to call 911 or (732) 938-4111 immediately.

Finally, Romano asked residents to take notes if they do observe something suspicious.

"It will help us solve the case," he said. "Grab a license plate number."