Comcast impersonator

By Diane Hettrick

There's a story out of Richmond Beach about a man going to houses, claiming he is from Comcast and telling them that he has been sent to pick up equipment. His car has a Comcast sticker.

Comcast has never heard of him.

It is just the latest ploy of the bad guys to get inside your home - either to rob you on the spot, or case the house for a future hit.

If someone comes to your door, you do need to respond. There are too many cases in the police blotters where the bad guy rings the front door to see if someone is home. If no one answers, they break in.

But there's no reason you have to open the door to strangers. Shout through the door. Peer out the window so they can see movement. Forget your manners - manners are not as important as your safety.

If someone asks to use your phone, offer to make the call for them (without opening the door). If they ask to use your bathroom, tell them where the nearest gas station is.

Make sure your children know this too, especially if they will be alone at any time.

And call the police, no matter what. Use the non-emergency number (Shoreline and Kenmore 206-296-3311) (LFP 425-486-1254)  or call 911 and say "non-emergency". Tell them what the circumstances are, describe the person, their clothing, their car, and which direction they went.

Believe me, the police want to know who is going door to door in their jurisdiction.