Salinas Police: Burglars now targeting homes during daytime hours

Salinas police said now more than ever, home burglaries are happening during the day when most people are at work. Sergeant Jeff Gibson said in most cases the suspect is coming right to the front door and knocking to find out if anyone is home. But how police said to respond may be surprising.

“My best tip is if you’re home respond to the knock on the door,” said Gibson.

Officers said ignoring the person makes them think no one is home, and that’s the green light for them to break in. Police actually want you to respond, even if it means speaking through the door or a window. If you choose to open the door Gibson said to never let them inside, because once they’re in they can quickly check out the goods.

“As I look around first thing I’m going to notice, I’m going to recognize the electronics. I see the big-screen TV, I see the stereo receiver, and I see the subwoofers and the speakers around the TV. Those are all things that can be sold quite easily,” said Gibson.

Further south in Soledad police are looking for three suspects who claimed to work for PG&E in an attempt to break into someone’s home. Authorities told News Channel 5 ultimately they’re looking for the easiest way to get in, and usually the suspects are young and looking for anything they can carry out quickly.

PG&E has a special number customers can call to verify an appointment or even check out if there’s a crew in the area.

If you feel the person at the door is asking too many questions, Gibson said it’s time to be suspicious.

“Nobody should be asking you about what time you’re home, about what time you’re not home, and who’s in the house. Those are questions that you shouldn’t even began to respond to. I would send that person on their way,” said Gibson.

Bottom line – police said these burglars are trying to get to know your routine. The more you tell them, the better chance they have of catching you when you’re not home.