Safety alert from 2nd Precinct
2nd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Carol Oosterhuis has issued a safety alert after receiving two calls about the suspicious activity of strangers approaching the homes of elderly individuals. The following was posted on the Prospect Park e-list:
The Precinct received two calls this week from relatives of elderly
people in the precinct. One of the seniors lives in Prospect Park
and the other in Windom Park. In each case, the relative was told
that two people dressed in uniforms had knocked on the front door.
When the door was answered, the resident was asked if he/she had an
emergency. When they answered no, the two parties asked to be let in
to use the telephone. At this point, we do not have a clear
description of the uniforms, so it could be a service company,
police, or other type of uniform. We are asking residents to follow
a few safety practices:
Do not let strangers into your home.
Install good locks on doors and windows and use them.
Install peepholes on front and back doors at your eye level. This is
especially important if you use a wheelchair.
Ask for identification from service or delivery people before letting
them in to the property. If you’re the least bit concerned, call the
company to verify.
Call your crime prevention specialist for a free home security survey
to help identify your individual security and safety needs.
In the second precinct, the Crime Prevention Specialists are Rick Maas
(673-2797) for the area north of Broadway; and Carol Oosterhuis
(673-2874) for the area south of Broadway.
Get involved in your block club. Watchful neighbors who look out for
you as well as themselves are a front line defense against crime.
last revised: March 27, 2008