Westbury warns of door-to-door scams

Beware the door-knocker selling wares.

After several reports of suspicious behavior over the past few weeks, Village of Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro is warning residents to be alert and has asked the Nassau County Police Department to increase patrols.

Cavallaro, who sent an email alert to residents, said he has received complaints about people knocking on doors purportedly to sell items such as window-washing fluid or driveway sealants.

The mayor said it might be a ruse to case a house or see whether it is occupied.
“This is something that goes on in neighborhoods,” said Nassau County Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said. “It’s one of the ploys of people who want to burglarize your home.”

Cavallaro warned residents to be on the lookout for two cars — a silver Chevrolet Astro van and a red Toyota pickup.

Police also are watching for the vehicles and have intensified patrols, but no robberies in the area have been directly linked to the activity Cavallaro warns residents about, said Dep. Inspector Sean McCarthy , deputy commanding officer in the Third Precinct.

Cavallaro has also asked village code enforcement workers to “make their presence open and obvious as they circulate about the village.”

Residents are asked to call 911 to report suspicious behavior, as well as the village code enforcement hotline at 516-333-1869 , Cavallaro said.