The latest attempt by criminals to gain entry into your home and steal your property is being exposed by Texarkana, Texas Police.

Authorities say the following scenario has happened at least once in the Texarkana area since the first of July. A homeowner reports that a suspect described as a white male, likely in his mid 20s began rapidly ringing the doorbell of his home. The suspect excitedly stated that he saw smoke coming from the electric meter from the back of the house.

Saying that he thinks the house is on fire, the suspect is then able to convince the person that someone needs to immediately throw the electrical breakers to the house and volunteers to come inside and do it. Once inside, he turns off the electricity and then claims that he smells smoke in another part of the house. He runs to the bedroom area of the house under the pretense of helping the homeowner save any valuables that he might have there.

Before the homeowner can follow him to the back of the house, the robber grabs jewelry, money or anything else that he can quickly hide in his pockets. He then says that he is going outside to look for the fire truck that he claims to have already called.

According to authorities, there was no fire and the suspect then flees the scene.

Police say should this happen to you, take a moment to evaluate the situation. Normally, don't let anyone into your house that you don't know and trust. While it could possibly be a good citizen trying to help you, it might also be someone trying to hurt you or steal something.

Authorities also say that if you think there is any chance that your house is actually on fire, grab your keys and get out of the house, locking the door behind you as you go out. Call 9-1-1 and the police and firefighters will be there in a matter of minutes.

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