HOUSTON – The Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office is warning people who live in the Shepherd Park area about what are called "backyard" scams.
Deputies said a thief broke into a man's home on Chamboard Lane while the resident was in his backyard with a second person who was pretending to be a tree-trimming contractor.
People who live in Bareswood Place and other neighborhoods have reported similar encounters.
The constable's office suggests that area residents follow these tips:
- Don’t give access to any part of your home to workers whom you did not expect.
- Keep your doors locked even when workers whom you know are around.
- CenterPoint or other legitimate companies that need access to your backyard might let you know ahead of time, and their employees will carry company identification.
- Check with your neighbors by phone from inside your locked home before allowing anyone onto your property to do work for those neighbors.
If you have a similar encounter, call the Constable Office Precinct 1 at 713-755-5200.