The Sacramento Police Department would like to inform the community of a recent burglary using a ruse to distract the victim.

On March 24, 2011, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the victim was contacted at her residence near Clipper and Westview Way.  A male subject identified himself as a plumber doing repair work at a neighbor's house and needed access to the victim's backyard.  The victim walked with the subject into her backyard and stayed with him until he completed his work. 

Later that night, the victim realized that a couple of rooms in the house had been gone through and jewelry was stolen.  The victim later contacted her neighbor who indicated they did not have any plumbing work being done to their residence.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20-30 years old, 5'7", heavy set, wearing a blue zip-up jacket, tan pants, tan work boots, and a white hard-hat. 

The Police Department wants to remind residents to be leery of opening your door for strangers.  Always lock your windows and doors when away from your house and call the police if something seems suspicious. 

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.