By Police1 Staff
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — Police in Florida are using disguises to patrol neighborhoods and prevent burglaries.
Pembroke Pines officers who are part of a month-old, special unit — called the Burglary Suppression Team — dress up as mail carriers, dog walkers, or if they’re in a group, an entire landscaping crew, according to the Sun Sentinel. Police say the covert surveillance trick is working so far.
“We’re rolling up on people in cars and disguises they would never expect in a million years,” said Capt. Sean Hemingway said. “Any idiot burglar would know an unmarked Crown Vic is a police officer. We’re looking to purchase tools and surveillance equipment that will blend in as part of the daytime residential community. I’ve had my guys in row boats. I’ve had my guys fishing.”
There were 82 reported burglaries in October of last year and 61 this year, according to reports.
Officers from departments nearby said the strategy is a good idea — and a tried-and-true police tactic.
“We used to dress guys up as homeless people,” retired Coral Gables police chief James Butler said. “We’d patrol in taxi cabs. It depends on the area you’re working. You look like what fits in. You become a chameleon.”