MESA, AZ — A post by a Mesa police officer on social media garnered quite a community reaction, but the post itself turned out to be false.
On Wednesday, Mesa Crime Prevention Officer Dawn Blake posted on NextDoor a post titled, "Beware of Criminals Using Children to Gain Access to Your Homes!" The post outlined a potential new threat in Mesa, where people were using kids to knock on doors, asking to use the bathroom, and instead, scanning the house for potential items to steal.
The post included:
"Con-artists are now using children to gain access to your home. Recently we have seen an increase of children knocking on doors and asking to use the restroom or phone. This gives them access to your home, let's them see what you have, and take your belongings. Never allow a stranger into your home, child or adult, at any time. Direct they to the closest gas station, convenient store, or a public place if they need a restroom or phone. Your Safety is Important to Us!"
Mesa police said Officer Blake jumped the gun when posting after having a conversation with a Mesa resident. A department spokesperson added that there have been no complaints or reports of adults using children to steal from Mesa resident's homes.
Police also said that Mesa does not have a problem with kids knocking on doors.
