3rd Precinct Police advise residents that strangers knocking on your door might be trying to find out if anyone is at home.  If they get no response, they may try to break into the house.   Many homeowners disregard the knocking since they are not expecting company. As a result the burglar may break in, thinking no one is there, and discover that the home is occupied. Burglars don't want to  be seen and know the penalty is greater for burglary of an occupied house, police say.

One alternative is to announce through the door that you are not accepting visitors at this time and that the person should leave immediately because you will call the police. You can turn on  lights  and make noise in the house to let them know the house is occupied by turning up the TV or radio volume, or just banging a shoe on the wall.  

Another trick suspects use is to knock on the door and ask for "Joe Somebody"  or  another name. When you respond, "There's no one here by that name",  the stranger may say, "Sorry; I must have the wrong address," and quickly leave. Police ask that you call 911 right away  with the suspect's description and direction of travel so that squads can check out the area for the person.

Officers are familiar with the tricks burglars use and the people who use them. Your immediate call to 911 is a good way to help police nab potential suspects, loiterers,  etc.  Call 911 as soon as possible---even in the middle of the night. Don't wait until morning or the next day, long after the suspect is gone, because that will be too late to help police catch him or her.

For questions, contact:

Sue Roethele, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 3rd Precinct
(612) 673-2839
sue.roethele@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

To Protect With Courage
To Serve With Compassion