A criminal threat known as distraction burglary has been slowly on the rise, most notably with suspects posing as utility or construction workers, stating they’ve been sent to a victim’s home to inspect a problem, sell a service, etc. The issue is that these criminals prey on seniors, who are considered trusting and easygoing.

The perpetrator seeks to draw a resident out of the house or to another room. While the resident is occupied, an accomplice enters the home and picks up valuables such as money and jewelry. Thieves may also pick up papers with the intent of committing identity theft.

“People at [senior age], they’re picked on specifically for these kind of crimes,” Nassau County Police Chief of Detectives Kevin Smith said after authorities arrested Frank Nicholas, 27, of White Marsh, MD. in connection with distraction burglaries in Herricks.

Nicholas allegedly posed as a utility worker with an accomplice in June 2014, robbing a 79-year-old Herricks woman in Pine Street home. He distracted the woman, police said, as another suspect moved about the house.

“If I don’t know them, I don’t let them in,” said Mineola Leisure Club Vice President Nora Coniglio. “If it’s a worker, I always call the company they say they represent to confirm their visit.”

This incident prompted U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer to call on National Grid to notify customers in advance when utility workers will visit the home. Utility companies are required to send a written letter to customers if meter readings have been unobtainable for more than six months. In a letter to National Grid President Ken Daly, Schumer cited nine Nassau County deception burglaries where two women dressed as utility workers stole jewelry and cash as a reason for action.

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“The burglaries demonstrate that more must be done by National Grid to ensure homeowners know exactly who to expect at their door for an in-home technician visit, and at what time,” Schumer said.

A National Grid spokesperson released a statement saying, “We are reviewing Sen. Schumer’s recommendation, as we are always looking for ways to improve our current processes for the safety and security of our customers.”

The Leisure Club holds community forums for seniors, including a recent identity theft discussion from the Town of North Hempstead’s Project Independence.

“Outreach is key,” Coniglio said. “People need to be aware.”