Home Invasion near Powderhorn Park

This is worrisome. It happened around 8:30 pm or so, so I guess we are talking about being wary about answering the door at any time, really. And what would wariness have done for this home owner unless they had previously decided they would not open the door to talk to anyone they did not immediately recognize. That seems kind of extreme but maybe that's what you need to do to be safe these days. It seems to be what the police are suggesting in their crime prevention tips below.

MPD Crime Alert below
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Occupied burglary of dwelling
February 9, 2009
Facts:
On February 8, 2009 at 8:50 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call from a home on the 3700 block of 13th
Ave. S., where three suspects attempted to enter a home that was occupied.
The homeowner, who was with his family, responded to a knock at the door. A female at the door told the
homeowner that she’d had an accident in back and that his car was hit. A male with a handgun then
stepped out from behind her and attempted to gain entry to the home. A third male was also seen behind
the female. The homeowner was able to push the first suspect out of the doorway, down the stairs and
return inside the home to call 911. All three suspects fled the area.
The first suspect is described as a black female, possibly East African or Ethiopian, 5’5” to 5’8”, small
build. According to witnesses, she wore a long kaftan or Islamic-style dress, with her face covered by a
white silk material. The other two suspects are described as black males, ages 20-30, medium build, one
being between 5’9” and 6’0” and the other being between 5’11” and 6’1”. Both male suspects wore black
masks over their faces.
What you can do:
• Keep your doors locked at all times—even when you are home.
• Be alert when responding to a knock on the door or doorbell.
o Use the peephole or nearby windows to look at who’s at the door.
o If these are not available, ask “Who’s there?”
o If you are not expecting anyone and do not know who is at the door, trust your instincts. Call 911 if
you feel the person at the door is not there for a legitimate purpose.
o Talk to your whole family about safety in the home.
• Be extra cautious about your surroundings. Trust your instincts. Be aware of strangers loitering in your
area.
• Be especially aware of your surroundings when taking out the garbage or walking to your car or bus
stop at night. If anyone is loitering in the area, call 911.
• Call 911 if you see anything suspicious.
• Talk to your neighbors about this event and ask them to be alert to suspicious activity. We need
everyone’s help.
• If you are a victim of robbery or burglary, report it immediately by calling 911. Try to remember as
much suspect information as you can when you are talking to 911.
• For more information about personal safety and other crime prevention techniques, contact Crime
Prevention Specialist Karen Notsch (612-673-2856 or karen.notsch@ci.minneapolis.mn.us).