• Howick and Pakuranga Times
The warning comes after an incident in which two women were let into someone’s home, who later discovered property missing.
The Flat Bush resident answered his door to two women who said they were raising money for a school rugby team.
They asked to be let into the property on Montanez Drive to use the toilet, and the next day the homeowner realised a silver Gionee cellphone was missing.
The women had also visited other homes in the street and also asked to use the toilet.
Both are described as Maori. One is believed to be in her 30s and of large build, while the other is about 18 and of medium build.
They had medium-length brown hair and the younger one was barefoot.
Acting senior sergeant Keith Olsen, of Howick police, says: “If two women come to the door and claim to be raising money for a school rugby team, residents should be suspicious until satisfied they are legitimate.”
People should ask for identification and asking to use the toilet is a long-standing ploy by thieves.
“If it’s not the toilet, it’s ‘can I use your phone’, or ‘have you seen my dog’ or ‘how do I get to Takapuna’,” Mr Olsen told the Times.
“They will have a lot of reasons why they are knocking at the door.”
People should contact the police on 111 if someone is raising suspicion.
The police want to hear from anyone who knows the identities of the women who were involved in the Flat Bush incident, which happened at about 1pm on July 13.
Call constable Stewart Green at Howick police station on (09) 538 0300.
