CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department is warning residents to be on their guard in the wake of a series of thefts involving a male subject who convinces people to let him enter their homes.

Over the last couple of weeks the Clearlake Police Department has received numerous reports about the residential thefts, according to Sgt. Rodd Joseph.

The circumstances of each of these thefts are all nearly identical, and Joseph said it appears the same male subject is responsible for all of these thefts.

The following is a description of how the thefts occur, according to Joseph.

A tall white male adult with a beard, in his 20s and having dark hair, knocks at the victim’s residence, Joseph said. When the victim answers the door, the male subject claims to be associated in some way with a fire department. He asks the victim if he can have a glass of water.

Police said the unsuspecting victim allows the man to come into their home. As the victim goes to get the male subject the requested glass of water, he steals property and flees the home, Joseph said.

In one particular incident, the homeowner kept the male subject in sight while getting him the glass of water, Joseph said. After getting the glass of water, the male subject asked the victim for some ice. The victim left the man alone for a very short time to get ice. When the victim returned, the man had fled with stolen property from the home, Joseph said.

Stolen property to date has been small electronic items, wallets and purses. Joseph said the thefts have occurred all over the city of Clearlake and in no one particular area of town.

The Clearlake Police Department reminds residents to please be vigilant about allowing unknown persons into their homes.

If concerned about a particular person’s identity, you may always ask for the person’s identification or credentials, Joseph said.

Joseph said police also encourage citizens to report all instances of suspicious activity or circumstances to the police department at 707-994-8251.