The descriptions of the thieves and their modus operandi are alarmingly similar.
Brooklyn police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said a 57-year-old domestic worker was the latest target of a home robbery.
She was watering the garden when four women in a silver vehicle, one of whom was pregnant, approached her.
“Two of the women asked her to use the bathroom. She directed them to the outer building bathroom,” said Weilbach.
“When they returned, she opened the gate for them and the other two women also entered. One of the women then ran to the house. The domestic worker tried to stop her. The other women caught up with them and threatened the domestic worker with a firearm inside the house.”
The women took cash and a laptop.
Keep the following tips in mind
- Always inform the domestic worker if someone is scheduled to visit the residence for contract work, reading of a meter or any other purpose;
- Domestic workers must always ask for official identification to verify the identity of a person who enters the premises;
- Never open the gates or doors for anyone who does not have proof that they have been called by the employer to enter the property;
- Never leave windows or doors open that do not have security features (security doors/ burglar bars);
- Have emergency numbers and security drill procedures in a place that is easily accessible.
- Ensure that they know how the home security system works;
- Make sure that the main street corner closest to the residence is known to enable domestic workers to provide emergency personnel with accurate information;
- Be conscious of any suspicious activities around the residence such as surveillance, attempts to gain access to the residence and telephone calls or other inquiries requesting personal information;
- Advise them to be alert for details such as descriptions and licence numbers of strange vehicles.
