Montgomery County police officials say transient criminal groups, previously called gypsies, are operating in the county and residents should take precautions to protect themselves from home burglaries.
According to police, individuals in the “transient criminal groups” are often of Eastern European descent, and usually take high-value jewelry, silver and cash when they burglarize a home.
The groups typically consist of both male and female thieves, sometimes traveling with children, and tend to strike in the presence of homeowners.
“This is not your typical burglar who tries to be discreet, waits for night, tries to get in and out without confrontations,” police spokesman Jimmy Robinson said.
“They’ll burglarize you right in your face.”
Police officials said the groups now are following contractor or cleaning-service employees into homes, hoping residents will believe their home was burglarized by an employee of the contractor or cleaning service.
They are also believed to be committing burglaries by prying open rear doors to residences.
In previous years, a homeowner working in the yard would be distracted by some members of the group.
After the resident’s attention was diverted, another member of the group quickly went inside the unlocked house and took easily concealed valuables. There was little or no ransacking in the burglaries.
According to Robinson, the groups tend to pass through Montgomery County during the spring and fall.
