Police Warn Residents of Would-Be Burglars Posing as Contractors or Utility Workers

Information provided by Hayward Police Nixle Alert—

This is to advise the community that there was a residential burglary on Cottonwood Drive. An elderly woman who was home alone was contacted by a male suspect who came to her front door claiming to be a fencing contractor for the neighbor to the rear of her home.

[Related article from San Leandro Patch: Police Warn of Would-Be Burglars Posing as Water Employees]

The suspect stated the neighbor was going to put in a new fence, and there was a discrepancy with the property line on the plans and asked if he could enter the backyard to take some measurements of the rear fence line. The homeowner complied and escorted the suspect into the rear yard. The suspect insisted that the homeowner stay outside with him at all times for liability reasons since he was on her property. 

The homeowner noted that the suspect was carrying a walkie-talkie radio, and periodically used it to speak to another male voice. The suspect asked a lot questions to the homeowner to keep her occupied, and appeared to be taking measurements using his own footsteps and pace.

The homeowner became more suspicious as she continued to speak with him. After 15 to 20 minutes in the back yard area, the suspect advised the homeowner that he had to return to his truck for some tools and a business card. The homeowner went back inside her residence and noticed that her purse had been moved, and money missing from her wallet, as well as jewelry missing from the bedroom. 

Suspect #1 is a Hispanic male, 5’8” – 5’10”, mid 30’s, medium build, dark hair. 
Suspect #2 is unknown, at large. 
Vehicle is unknown. 

[Related article from San Leandro Patch: Police Seeking Suspected Burglars Posing as City Workers]

If you have any information on the suspects, please contact District Command Office at (510) 293-7151. 

TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM: 
• When working outside, lock the doors not visible to you 
• Do not leave your garage door open and unattended 
• Watch for occupied parked vehicles in your neighborhood 
• Acknowledge persons knocking on your door 
-Talk through locked door 
- Door to door solicitation, ask to see proper identification and call the employer to verify their identity 
• Let neighbors know when you are on vacation 
-Pick up mail and newspapers 

Report all suspicious activity immediately to the Hayward Police Department (510) 293-7000