Chief urges caution when answering door

AREA — "If you don't know them, don't let them in," says Norway Chief of Police Rob Federico.

Over the past week, two men have been knocking on doors, claiming to be furnace repair men there to clean the furnace. Another time, the claim had to do with checking carbon monoxide levels and when the homeowner went to shut off the furnace, they stole jewelry.

In one instance, the homeowner saw an older model white pickup truck and in the other "a black, small SUV type" vehicle.

"The point," said Federico, "is to never let anyone in without verifying who they are."

One potential victim was staying with family and told the men to wait on the stoop. A call was placed to the homeowner who denied ordering the furnace to be cleaned. While the family member was on the phone, the men left.

The victim of the theft of jewelry thought the man was from Community Concepts and went to the basement to push the reset button on the furnace. During this time the jewelry was stolen and the man took off.

Another resident reported to police that a man came to the door and asked a lot of questions about the homeowner's house. He was not let in and eventually left, after which the homeowner called police.

"That this is happening during the day suggests that the thieves are looking for single occupants," said Federico.

Calling police while the person is still there could help police catch would-be thieves.

"But whatever you do, do not let them in," is Federico's advice.