Ex‑Cop Crime Reporter Exposes 3 Shocking Phrases Burglars Use to Fool You
Burglars’ Sneaky Knock: What to Do When a Stranger Tests Your Door
Who Told Us This?
A veteran crime reporter named Lori Fullbright shared some surprising tips. She has spent over 30 years covering crime for Oklahoma’s News on 6. She posted a video on TikTok (with over 400,000 views!) telling us the tricky things burglars say when they are checking if a house is empty.
Important Point: This puts the “con” (as in trick) in “recon” (short for reconnaissance, which means scouting or checking things out). Burglars often pretend to be normal people to sneak info about your home.
Why Do Burglars Knock First?
Burglars usually knock on your door before breaking in. They want to know if anyone is home.
- If no one answers, they think the house is empty and may kick the door in.
- If you answer, they already have a fake story ready to explain why they are there.
What Should You Do If Someone Knocks?
Here is the safe plan according to Fullbright:
- Do NOT stay silent and pretend you are not home. Silence tells them the house is empty.
- Do NOT open the door to anyone you don’t know personally. That could be dangerous.
- Talk through the door to show the house is not empty, but stay safe inside.
- If they use a trick phrase (see below), tell them to go away and consider calling 911.
Callout: Never open the door to strangers, and don’t ignore a knock — speak up from behind the door!
Three Phrases Burglars Use (and How to Reply)
Burglars may switch to “Plan B” — say something to make you open the door. Here are three common tricks:
1. “Is [random name] there?”
- They ask for someone you don’t know.
- What to do: Say that person is not there and tell them to “move along.”
- Extra step: Fullbright says you can call 911 right away and say, “A guy is prowling around asking for someone who doesn’t live here.”
2. “Have you seen my lost dog?”
- They pretend to look for a pet.
- What to do: Call them out! Say: “No you haven’t, you are knocking on doors to see if someone’s home so you can break in. Haven’t seen your dog, move along.”
3. “I’m a mover looking for a client’s address.”
- They dress like or claim to be movers.
- What to do: Be suspicious. There is usually no moving truck outside! Fullbright says be “very leery of someone who wants to draw you outside.”
Important Point: Burglars are often wolves in civilian clothing — they masquerade as movers, pet owners, or lost acquaintances.
When Do Burglars Usually Strike?
Forget movies where thieves come at midnight.
- Most burglars Fullbright talked to prefer Monday to Friday, around 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Why? They believe people are at work or school, so houses are empty.
Handy Tools and Homeowner Tips
- Ring cameras (a video doorbell) are super useful. They let you answer the door from anywhere, even if you’re not home.
- Viewers agreed:
- “Ring cameras have been one of the best investments I’ve made.”
- “I always leave my TV on.” (Makes it sound like someone’s home.)
- “My dogs do all the talking.” (Dogs can scare off strangers!)
Summary
Burglars often knock first to see if you’re home, using fake stories like asking for a person, a lost dog, or posing as a mover. Never stay quiet or open the door to strangers—talk through the door, tell them to leave, and call 911 if something feels off. Most break-ins happen on weekday mornings/afternoons. Tools like Ring cameras and noisy TVs or dogs can help keep you safe.
FAQ
Q1: Why shouldn’t I just ignore the knock if I’m home?
Because burglars take silence as a sign the house is empty, and they may break in. Always speak through the door to show you’re there.
Q2: Is it okay to open the door if they say they’re from the police or a utility?
Only if you know them personally or can verify through the door (like asking for ID and calling the company). Never open to unknown people.
Q3: What if I’m not home but have a Ring camera?
You can use the camera to talk to them from your phone and make it seem like someone is home. This can scare off a burglar testing the house.
Q4: Why do burglars pretend to be movers?
They use it as a cover story to explain why they are at your door. But usually there’s no moving truck, so it’s easy to spot the lie.
