The Nassau County Police Department is advising residents that this time of the year when the warmer weather brings the homeowner out of the house and the burglar out on the prowl, open windows, doors, and garage doors are an invitation to a potential thief.

Information developed by the Nassau County Police Department's Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Lead Development Center and the Crimes Against Property Squad indicate that a particular group of organized transient criminals commonly known as "Gypsies" are perpetrating a series of burglaries and scams throughout Nassau County.

The "modus operendi" of these mostly Eastern Europeans is to drive in groups in a particular residential area in a car or van usually with out of state registration plates. One subject portraying a surveyor or a contractor, approaches the homeowners, at their residences. While engaging in distracting conversation, the subject diverts the homeowners into their rear yards providing a means for an accomplice(s) to surreptitiously enter the home and commit a burglary. .

There are several things residents can do to protect themselves from being victimized by these individuals:

1. Make sure your doors and windows are locked even when you are at home.

2. Set your home burglar alarm system every time you leave your house even if it's for a short period of time. This group is known to watch as homeowners leave and immediately enter the vacant house.

3. Lock valuables in a safe and don't leave cash and jewelry in a conspicuous place such as the bedrooms, kitchen, or counter.