Greenbelt Police Warn of Burglar Scam in Center City

Greenbelt police are warning residents about a scam in Center City leading to burglaries, according to police spokeswoman Kelly Lawson, who sent an alert Thursday.

On Wednesday, police responded to Maplewood Court just after noon, for a report of a burglary in progress, according to the alert.

A resident told police that a Hispanic male, dressed in a neon yellow jumpsuit and hardhat knocked on his door telling the resident he was a gas company employee and needed to check the resident's stove. The resident allowed the man to enter, the alert stated, but once inside the man distracted the resident, while two other men entered the home and "ransacked" it.

All three suspects fled before taking anything, police said. Witnesses told police that the suspect's vehicle was a white or silver extended cab pickup truck, possibly a newer Ford model.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who believes they were involved in a similar incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Unit at 240-542-2133.

Lawson reminded residents to be wary of such scams.

"Do not open your door for strangers or solicitors," Lawson wrote in the alert. Residents can report suspicious individuals or vehicles to the police by calling 301-474-7200.