Crime alert issued about 'backyard' scams

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.